Mega Buzz: Castle’s Proposal, Arrow’s New Mission and Burn Notice’s Reunion

I can’t believe I have to wait all summer for more Castle. Is there any way Beckett will turn down Castle’s proposal? — Lauren
ADAM: Depends on who you ask. Cast member Tamala Jones thinks that Beckett’s desire for career advancement in Washington, D.C., could outweigh her feelings for Castle. “Beckett is a strong woman, and she’s not going to forget who she is,” she says. “So she may say no — or not right now.” Susan Sullivan, who plays Castle’s mother, has a different take. “What woman in her right mind would say no to him?” she says. ”Therein would lie the problem: I may actually have to move out. Yikes!”

Do you have any scoop on Laurel and Oliver next season on Arrow? —Jim
NATALIE: Here’s some Laurel scoop from executive producer Marc Guggenheim that may involve Oliver: “Because her building has been destroyed, Laurel is looking for a new job and she will not be returning to CNRI next year,” he says. “She’ll have a new job and a new mission and I’ll leave it to people to speculate for the next three months as to what that mission could be.”

What will the dynamic be like between Michael and Fiona when Burn Notice returns for its final season? — Nancy
ADAM: Put it this way: If those two are going to reunite before the end of the series, they have a lot of emotional and physical distance to overcome. When the series returns, nine months have passed and Michael is now an alcoholic loner working undercover on an eight-year-long mission in the Dominican Republic. Although Michael has cut his mom and friends out of his life and Fiona now has a new business partner/boyfriend, look for the gang to reunite sooner than expected when a bad guy in Miami threatens to blow up Michael’s entire mission — and with it, his friends’ immunity deals — permanently.

Please tell me Callie and Arizona are going to be OK on Grey’s Anatomy! —Jenna
NATALIE: Not sure I can do that, Jenna. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes asks fans to ponder what Callie’s next move will be in light of that revealing argument, which showed Arizona’s true feelings. “Now Callie isn’t a victim, she’s never really been a victim and she’s been cheated on before with George,” she says. “So how she’s going to take this and what she’s going to do next is going to be the bigger issue. How Arizona is going to figure out what [her infidelity] means is going to be interesting.”

Please tell me SVU isn’t killing off Benson in the finale! — Ryan
ADAM: Although her life will very much be in jeopardy (and Mariska Hargitay has yet to sign a contract for next season) executive producer Warren Leight hints that Detective Benson will experience some transition next year. “Her character is due to evolve. It’s time for her to imagine what it would be like to live her own life,” he says. “[After] 14 years as an SVU detective, some change is going to start to come.” Is a promotion in the offing?

Will we see a lot of Elena and Katherine facing off on The Vampire Diaries next season? —Marie
NATALIE: Maybe not facing off, but perhaps switching off? “One thing we’re looking forward to so much next season is Elena on her own as a vampire and living her new life in college,” executive producer Julie Plec explains. “And to see a vulnerable Katherine, who is able to be hurt and able to be killed and in need of the protection much like the first Elena we met four years ago.” Oh, and get this — she says it’ll be fun.

What’s going to happen to Vincent next season on Beauty and the Beast? — Lara
ADAM: Now that Vincent has been captured, clearly he’s going to need someone to rescue him. But however that turns out, Jay Ryan has some other wishes for Season 2: “I’d like him to find his mother and some of his platoon, if they are still alive, and give him a sense of community he could bring to his relationship with Catherine,” he says. Speaking of family, Ryan says that the introduction of Catherine’s biological father in the finale will create some major obstacles for he and Catherine. How major? “[He] could break them up,” Ryan warns.

What’s going to happen to Storybrooke on Once Upon a Time? —Lauren
NATALIE: Just because most of the ABC’s fairy-tale drama’s main characters went through a portal to Neverland does not mean we won’t be seeing Storybrooke next season. In fact, Emilie de Ravin, whose Belle has been left in charge of the town, confirms that she’ll continue to be a series regular in Season 3. The Lost alum also notes that even though Belle’s memories are all intact, it doesn’t mean she’ll write Mr. Gold off for his actions while she was Lacey. “She was going along with it though, so therefore you can’t blame him if you’re the one saying, ‘Kick that guy’s a–,” she says, noting that Belle will be devastated about his absence when the show returns. “But also she’ll gain her strength back and she’ll have to if she’s going to protect an entire town.”

Since Harvey will have a British counterpart on Suits, will we see anyone else’s? — DeAnna
ADAM: At the moment, no. “As far as I know, there’s no British Donna… yet,” Sarah Rafferty tells us. “But I kind of hope they add one because that’d be fun to see their interaction and her relationship with [British Harvey].” As for our Donna and Harvey’s relationship, we’ll get a deeper look at that when the show flashes-back 10 years. “We did a five-year flashback last season and now we go back even further and you’ll see the origins of their relationship, and how Harvey became who he is,” Rafferty says.

Will Emily and Jack team up next season on Revenge? —Jeremy
NATALIE: In the wake of Declan’s death and Emily’s reveal that she’s actually Amanda, Jack will have a hard time trusting anyone next season. “I think he’s going to be hurt and not trust her,” Nick Wechsler says. “She’s got to earn his trust back. If he does team up with her, it’s only because they have a common enemy, not because she’s out of the doghouse.”

So what’s happening with Divya and Rafa on Royal Pains after their shotgun wedding in Vegas? — Beth
ADAM: Sadly, after deciding to annul the wedding, Divya and Rafa’s relationship is pretty much kaput when the show returns. But Paige is eager to help Divya move on, and she even sets her up with one of her handsome, intelligent co-workers . However, there’s a specific reason that Divya isn’t overly eager about jumping back into the dating pool. Let’s just say that annulments can’t void all contracts.

I’m so excited for Switched at Birth to come back. What can you tell us? —Josephine
NATALIE: This season will feature a “what if?” episode that explores all the characters’ lives had Regina told everyone about the switch when she first figured it out so many years ago. “In the first season, Regina had a bad rap for keeping the secret for so long and had that cloud over her, so [in this episode] Regina finally has a good reputation,” Constance Marie says. The episode will play with physical changes for both Bay and Daphne, a relationship change for John and Kathryn, and for the first time viewers will see Daphne, Bay and Toby as babies!

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Who knew simply speaking to a woman could be so emotional? Kunal Nayyar was brilliant in The Big Bang Theory finale, as Raj leaned on Penny for comfort after his breakup with Lucy before they both realized he had not, in fact, drank any alcohol before speaking with her. Leave it to BBT to come up with a new kind of game-changer.

Adam’s Mini Rant: At least last year’s X Factor  had the “OMG Britney!” wow factor. With the new ho-hum panel, Fox should just cut its losses and premiere its midseason dramas in the fall.

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: Grey’s Heartbreak, a Five-0 Death and Elementary’s Finale

Got any scoop about Callie and Arizona for the Grey’s Anatomy finale? — Sam
NATALIE: When the dreaded “talk” does happen, a topic that’s been on the back burner all season will come to the forefront in a major way that just may break your heart — and answer a few questions.

Any last bits of scoop on the Hawaii Five-0 finale?  — Jessica
ADAM: Like last year, the finale will explore all of the team members’ personal issues separately. “We’re going to touch on some questions we’ve had for a while,” executive producer Peter Lenkov says. “Is there more going on between Wo Fat and Doris than we know? What happened the night Michael Noshimuri took Kono’s gun? … [These] are issues that need resolutions. Some of our characters are going to have to make tough choices.” How tough? By the finale’s end, somebody will likely be dead. “The English translation of our finale title is “farewell and take care. You can take want you want from that,” Lenkov teases.

I can’t believe Irene Adler is alive! Got any scoop on the Elementary finale? —Anne
NATALIE: If you’re thinking that the reunion between Sherlock and Irene will be a wholly joyous one, think again. Sherlock will make a surprising, uncharacteristic decision about Irene’s captor.

In just how much danger is Benson during the SVU finale? — Nina
ADAM: How dangerous is it to be targeted by a guy nicknamed “The Beast”? “It’s always good to have a character who is pure evil,” executive producer Warren Leight teases. “This is one of these guys who walks through life doing horrible, horrible things. It’s an inevitable confrontation. … It’s going to be horrifying.” In other words, Benson better change her locks.

What’s coming up on The Vampire Diaries season finale? — Maria
NATALIE: It’s no surprise that in The Vampire Diaries finale, many of our heroes will be in mortal peril. Remember this picture? Well, the wound that Elena is tending is similar to the one that once almost killed Damon. Good thing there’s a cure lying around Mystic Falls.

Got any more details about Mark Hamill’s character on the Criminal Minds finale? He’s The Replicator, isn’t he? — Eric
ADAM: We can’t spoil that, silly. But executive producer Erica Messer did share that his character, John Curtis, is “wicked smart” with a particulary high skill set as it relates to biochemistry, which plays a big part in the episode. Come on, when’s the last time biochemistry was used for good instead of evil on TV?

Thanks for all the Modern Family scoop lately. Is there anything more you can tease about the finale? —Jane
NATALIE: It should come as no surprise that old soul Manny will take a liking to laid-back Florida, but one of his Dunphy-Pritchett relations will break the law while on vacation. And no, we’re not talking about Gloria.

What can you tell me about the Bates Motel finale? — Brad
ADAM: Norma will struggle to come up with Abernathy’s money before his deadline. So Norman will somehow come to her rescue, right? Maybe not. But Norman’s conspicuous absence won’t actually damage the too-close mother-son relationship. “They’re moving into their separate worlds, but the finale brings them back together, and they both openly reveal stuff about each other that forces them to reconnect and reassert their relationship,” Freddie Highmore tells us. “It’s like an elastic band. No matter how much you stretch [the relationship], it doesn’t snap.”

Ack! Monroe has Nora. What’s going to happen on Revolution? — Ben
NATALIE: Suffice it to say, Nora being in Monroe’s custody is not a good thing, but according to Daniella Alonso, she may use her plight to her advantage. “Even though she’s chained up and has a lot of guards on her, she does her best to try to kill him,” she says. And worry not, though we’ll see moments of weakness, Alonso assures us that there’s no way Nora will be turned to the militia’s side.

What can you tease about this beast-on-beast fight in the Beauty and the Beast finale? — Marion
ADAM: It’s not exactly a fair fight. “Now that Vincent has been taking medication his strength is weakened,” Jay Ryan tells us. “So at the beginning of the fight he doesn’t have his beast qualities and he has to refer back to his military training.” Gabe, meanwhile, is quite a scary contender. He will show us just how vicious the original beast that Muirfield created can be.

I’m so excited about the return of Falling Skies. What’s coming up? — Micah
NATALIE: When it appears that the aliens have a mole within the 2nd Mass, Tom enlists Manchester to track down him/her/it — a job that will have dangerous consequences. With a new, surprising Overlord in place, the mole’s identity will be a huge shocker.

What’s coming up on Nurse Jackie? — Brad
NATALIE: It’s not the last time we’ve seen Cruz. To everyone’s surprise — including Jackie’s — Cruz will return to the hospital this week with an interesting proposition for Jackie that may make her question her new relationship with Frank.

Adam’s Mega Rave: I’m totally down with James Spader as a Hannibal Lecter-style enigma/inmate on NBC’s fall drama The Blacklist. Unlike when he was on The Office, his creepiness is intentional.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: Is it bad that I sort of hope The Mother is now dead? Sorry, How I Met Your Mother, that reveal left a bad taste in my mouth.

Mega Buzz: A Grey’s Affair and Deaths on Criminal Minds and Vampire Diaries

Will Arizona really cheat on Callie on Grey’s Anatomy?! —Alyssa
NATALIE: I hate to break it to you, but there is a very real chance. “We could present them with some really complex challenges and allow them to deal with them and see some interesting things,” executive producer Shonda Rhimes says, calling it a culmination of this season’s journey through PTSD. “I don’t know where they’re going to end up out of this, I really don’t. But I do know that all of us are really excited about it. It’s a thrilling and complex story for these characters.” Suffice it to say, have some tissues ready!

With A.J. Cook and Kirsten Vangsness possibly not coming back to Criminal Minds, are either JJ or Garcia The Replicator’s target? — Heather
ADAM: We wouldn’t put it outside the realm of possibility. Although executive producer Erica Messer won’t spill who The Replicator will kidnap, she did confirm that a “major” character will die in the finale and “not everyone will make it out unscathed.” Could the kidnapped team member also be the one who dies?  “[The kidnapping] part is solved, let’s put it that way,” Messer says.

What can you tease about The Vampire Diaries finale?!  — Rachel
NATALIE: We promise that tears (both happy and sad) will be shed while watching the final hour, which includes an epic declaration of love, a duo (finally!) setting off for the summer together, a major death and another character heading on a path that will leave fans screaming at their screen.

How will Glee end this season if there’s no graduation? — Lisa
ADAM: Ryder’s ongoing “catfish” story line will be resolved when he finally meets his mysterious online companion. (Our guess is Unique.) But not every story will be tied up neatly. In fact, Jacob Artist promises “lots of cliff-hangers,” including an ending that is still unknown to the cast. Artist says he and several other cast members filmed two versions after a last-minute rewrite. “I think the new one might be a little bit more like [gasp]!” he says. Guesses?

What’s coming up on The Big Bang Theory? — Darren
NATALIE: After Amy lands on the no-fly list, the girls miss out on their Vegas trip. But a game of Dungeons & Dragons turns out to be Vegas-like enough to subdue even Penny. But why is Raj missing? Oh, he has bigger dragons to slay — as you’ll see in the finale.

Any new hints about the Person of Interest finale? — Richard
ADAM: Look for another major download of answers about Finch’s past, including exactly what tragedy befell his former partner Nathan Ingram and how that moment led Finch to take up Nathan’s mantle with regards to doing the work of The Machine. But given Finch’s alleged recent betrayals of Reese, is their partnership also destined to end in flames? Also, in the race to save The Machine, expect more resolution than your traditional cliff-hanger. “At the end of this 24-hour period, someone is going to control The Machine, and the identity of that someone is something of a surprise,” creator Jonathan Nolan says. “We consider this finale the end of one chapter. Next season is a brave new world.”

Got anything on the Modern Family finale? —  Merritt
NATALIE: When Gloria has to go to court for her warrant in Florida, she’ll enlist Mitchell to help her get off. He’ll end up helping out dozens of other plaintiffs at the courthouse, each of whom gets off scot free. But what about Gloria? She’ll get exactly what she deserves.

What can you tell me about the CSI finale? — Michelle
ADAM: Call it a tale of two daughters. When the team investigates a serial killer who is targeting prostitutes, both Brass and Conrad Ecklie will have reason to be concerned for their little girls. When Brass’ drug-addict daughter goes missing, he fears she’s one of the victims. Meanwhile, Ecklie will watch his daughter Morgan go undercover as a streetwalker to smoke out the killer in what executive producer Don McGill calls “the most disturbing scene we’ve done in quite a while.” The girls’ fate will play a big part in the cliff-hanger. “We wanted to threaten both relationships with a kind of jeopardy that may mean an end to either — or possibly both — daughters’ lives,” McGill says.

Please tell me you have some Moriarty scoop for Elementary! — Cathy
NATALIE: Indeed I do. Moriarty will actually enlist Sherlock to help track down a killer and in return he’ll give him an answer to a question that has plagued him for years: Why did Moriarty want Irene dead? But Sherlock is asking the wrong question. And both Holmes and the audience will be very surprised by the correct answer, which comes sooner than you think.

Got any more SVU scoop? — Justin
ADAM: Do you wish this season had two finales? Wednesday’s episode, which sees one of SVU’s own shot by a sniper, was originally intended as the season-ender before NBC ordered two additional hours. Naturally, the stakes are high — and for Ice T’s Finn, personal. “[The shooting] has more to do with a case from Finn’s past that didn’t have closure,” executive producer Warren Leight says. “Finn joined SVU after his partner took a bullet for him.” When that partner turns up all these years later, he may regret that decision. Will Finn have similar regrets? “The question for Finn is: What should he have done differently and what, if anything, could he do differently moving forward?” Leight says.

I’m so excited about Manu Bennett being a series regular on Arrow next season. Will we get a hint towards his Deathstroke future any time soon? — Kayte
NATALIE: Actually, we may get a hint this week, though it may not be the most obvious thing. “I would caution anybody who thinks that they know which way the story is going to go,” executive producer Andrew Kreisberg says. “What’s always interesting about the island is that you know that Oliver survives the flashbacks, so there’s no suspense in that, but it’s who lives and who dies, and what they do and how they do it; that’s the stuff that is constantly the surprise and the thing that you don’t see coming.”

I’m loving Hannibal. Got any tasty scoop to whet my appetite? — Kyle
ADAM: I see what you did there! Thursday’s episode turns the tables a bit as we meet Dr. Lecter’s shrink, played by The X Files’ Gillian Anderson. “She is a woman who has retired from therapy after an incident, and Hannibal is her only patient [because] he refused to acknowledge her retirement,” creator Bryan Fuller says. “As the season goes on, we see how closely tied Hannibal was to that horrible incident in her professional life, and we also get to see her slowly start to piece together who her patient may be.” That can’t possibly end well, right? “She has this intimate relationship with a brutal murderer and … has insight into [his] psyche,” Fuller says. “What happens when she opens the wrong door?”

Adam’s Mega Rave: Thank you, Mad Men, for taking a break from Don’s existential angst to focus on Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s future. The pending merger gave the show a much-needed jolt of energy that has me buzzing with excitement for the next episode.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: Dear Revolution, Chill out on all the throat-slitting! Love, Nat.

Mega Buzz: SVU and Elementary’s Finales, and a Modern Family Road Trip

Can you share some details about the SVU finale? — Ben
ADAM: As a matter of fact, I have some exclusive casting scoop! Pablo Schreiber (The Wire, A Gifted Man) will play a charming but vicious man suspected of rape — and possibly murder. (One of his alleged victims is an aging photographer played by Judith Ivey). Rollins becomes fixated on busting the guy, but when the detectives can’t find a single shred of physical evidence and their eyewitness turns up dead, he may walk free. And trust us, that’s very bad news for Detective Benson.

Got any scoop on the Elementary finale? — Norman
NATALIE: I’ve exclusively learned that Nurse Jackie‘s Dominic Fumusa (aka Jackie’s ex) will guest-star in the finale as Mr. Gerard, the bodyguard of a Greek politician who is embroiled in the case of the week. Sherlock, of course, will soon discover that Gerard is protecting more than his client; he has secrets.

I’d love some info on the upcoming Modern Family episodes. — Melanie
ADAM: Who’s ready for a family road trip? When one of Phil’s clients offers to loan the Dunphy clan one of his RVs for the summer, Phil enthusiastically organizes a quick weekend test drive. But Claire, who insists the kids can’t handle a long ride together, eventually picks a fight among the children to prove her point. During the melee, lots of family secrets emerge, including Haley’s (failed) attempt to become a Laker Girl. Oddly, it’s that tidbit that saves the outing from ending in total disaster.

I loved the first 10 minutes of Sunday’s Once Upon a Time! Please give me some scoop on that episode! — Sharlene
NATALIE: Regina is in a very shocking (heh) position, but it’s who comes to her aid that’ll really shock you. In an attempt to fix her blackened heart, Snow and Charming will enlist Rumple to help track her down. But all magic comes with a price: This particular spell will connect Regina and Snow in a very dangerous way.

The Following‘s cliff-hanger is killing me! Any hints about who will be coming back next year? — Dan
ADAM: Are Joe and Claire alive? That remains the biggest question, but I can say with certainty that Ryan Hardy will live to bungle another lead. But if Joe’s dead, who’ll Ryan chase? Infer what you will from this news: Executive producer Marcos Siega tells us that fan favorite Emma (Valorie Curry) and Ryan’s partner Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) will have larger roles in Season 2.

Do you have any Nick-and-Jess scoop for the New Girl finale? — Heather
NATALIE: At Jess’ behest, Nick will put hos before bros when Schmidt asks him to help sabotage Cece’s wedding, according to Jake Johnson. “Nick doesn’t help the guys because he’s trying to be considerate of Jess’ feelings, which leads him into a weird spiral,” aka relationship clarity. “They put a name to what it is and make a decision to how they’re going to move forward.”

Is there any hope for a relationship between Kalinda and Cary, given how The Good Wife ended? — Samantha
ADAM: Yes! Although Cary appeared to screw over Kalinda by choosing Robyn to work at his new firm, Matt Czuchry (spelled the usual way) hints that it may actually foster a reunion. “Because they’re not working at the same place, there may be a chance for more life for that relationship,” he says. But won’t Kalinda hold a grudge? Czuchry is optimistic. “Certainly there are… fences that are going to need some mending, but they’ve been able to do that in the past,” he says.

Is Klaroline totally over now that The Originals was picked up? — Lisa
NATALIE: Not necessarily, and certainly not this season! When we asked Joseph Morgan about the “surprising encounter” that’s being teased between the two this week, he told us, “It’s going to come in the guise of an olive branch, and then it’ll start as something that I think people have wanted for a long time — but we’ll see where it goes.” Could this be the kiss that some of you have been waiting for?!

I need some NCIS: LA scoop on Kensi and Deeks. Will the box return? — Chelsea
ADAM: Sort of. Executive producer Shane Brennan says that what the box symbolizes will be explored. “If you look at the box as a ratcheting up of their personal relationship, you will not be disappointed,” Brennan says. “There is a very poignant moment between Kensi and Deeks in the finale that will surprise everyone.” How poignant, you ask? Let’s just say that people do crazy things when they’re about to die.

I can’t believe The Americans finale is this week! What can you tease? — Samuel
NATALIE: As the meeting with the colonel draws near, Phillip and Elizabeth will find themselves heading into a trap — and only one of them will come out unscathed. Yes, someone will die in Wednesday’s finale, and it will come at the hands of a very surprising familiar face.

Why don’t you ever show Doctor Who any love? — Noah
ADAM: Well, in the upcoming episode, “The Crimson Horror,” the good Doctor meets someone who develops quite a dangerous crush on him. (She even gives him a funny pet name!) What’s more, we’ll see the Time Lord lock lips with a lovely lady… who isn’t his companion Clara! As for the episode’s titular “horror,” let’s just say that one character has a very close (and kind of disgusting) relationship that is key to solving the episode’s mystery.

Is there any good news for Tom Haverford in the Parks and Recreation finale? — Beth
NATALIE: For once, yes! “Tom’s business has gone well enough and has made a big enough impression that he’s attracting the notice of some bigger fish in the business community,” executive producer Mike Schur tells me. “He gets approached in the finale and is presented with a situation.” Here’s hoping Jean-Ralphio won’t mess this one up!

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Sure, How I Met Your Mother‘s gimmickry has really tested our patience of late, but we loved Barney’s failed-turned-epic bachelor party, especially when it was revealed that Karate Kid‘s William Zabka was the clown the whole time! Bravo.

Adam’s Mini Rant: Come on, Bones. Couldn’t Booth and Brennan at least have their moment of happiness over the summer before this Pelant arc ripped it away?

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: Relationship Woes on Castle and New Girl and an NCIS Witch Hunt

What can we expect for Castle and Beckett’s relationship as we head to the end of Castle‘s season? — Dana
ADAM: The bumps that we’ve hinted at before will be exacerbated by two men who come into Beckett’s life. First, Beckett will be assigned to protect multimillionaire inventor Erik Vaughn (Ioan Gruffudd) — in his private hotel penthouse. “If Castle aspired to be someone, he’d aspire to be this guy,” creator Andrew W. Marlowe says. “Castle’s really determined to solve the case and get his girlfriend away from him.” During their alone time, Erik will ask Beckett some tough questions about where her relationship with Castle is headed. Unfortunately, as  Beckett wrestles with those questions in the season’s penultimate episode, she’ll cross paths with a federal investigator (Carlos Bernard) who might offer some different answers. “He opens Beckett’s eyes on other possibilities that might be out there for her,” Marlowe teases.

Got any Nick and Jess scoop for New Girl? —Charlene
NATALIE: Get ready for more awkward Nick Miller times! When Jess’ dad (Rob Reiner) returns, Nick will find himself stuck hanging out with Papa Day and it won’t go as planned, natch. “There’s a lot at stake because Nick is trying to impress him,” executive producer Liz Meriwether tells me. “I think Bob Day likes Nick a lot, until he realizes that Nick might be interested in his daughter, so he’s holding him up to a little bit of a higher standard.”

I have a bad feeling about what’s going to happen to Ziva on NCIS. Can you make me feel any better? — Mandy
ADAM: Not really. Although executive producer Gary Glasberg says Ziva’s upcoming trip to Berlin with Tony features a “tremendous personal story,” Ziva is ultimately out to avenge her father’s killer. “People are going to see a Ziva David that they haven’t seen in a long time,” Glasberg says. “There is a strength and a resolute determination.” But will she go too far? That becomes the very question of the season finale as Colin Hanks’ federal investigator leads a witch hunt that takes a closer look at Gibbs and his team — and heads could roll. “There is a crossroads for NCIS,” Glasberg says. “Boundaries have been pushed and lines have been crossed. At some point, does that catch up to you?”

Are we going to see some forward movement for Sheldon and Amy in The Big Bang Theory finale?
NATALIE: Actually, it’ll come in the penultimate episode entitled “The Love Spell Potential,” in which the girls play Dungeons and Dragons with the guys. “There is a fully incredible Sheldon-Amy scene at the end that I can’t wait to go on television,” executive producer Steve Molaro says.”Sheldon and Amy go right into the heart of that conversation and it’s weird and sweet and touching and amazing and [Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik] just did a breathtaking job.” Can. Not. Wait.

Do you have any Revenge scoop? — Lisa
ADAM: On the April 28 episode, Nolan will dig for answers about Padma’s death and, in the process, viewers will finally learn the identity of the elusive Falcon. And a showdown is a-comin’… sorta. “Two major computer geeks going head-to-head — you can imagine that one,” Gabriel Mann says with a laugh. “How they [battle] is something that will inspire some laughs.” But things could also turn serious much faster than you think. “I have to question whether [Nolan's] up on his self-defense kills at this point, but I will say he’s going to need them really bad for things coming up soon,” Mann says. Personally, I’m just hoping Nolan will get to sport his undercover ‘stache again!

Will Rachel and Aaron survive the trek to the Tower on Revolution? —Samuel
NATALIE: It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. “There are a lot of obstacles,” Elizabeth Mitchell teases. “They run into a lot of people, and they have to get things for their journey. There’s a tremendous amount of resistance and there’s the struggle for survival and they don’t do it very well. They’re not our two warriors.” As for those people, look for Aaron to face his former wife — and she hasn’t just been waiting around for him all these years.

Can you give us any hints about where McGarrett and his mother stand in the season finale of Hawaii Five-0? — Heather
ADAM: The pair will actually make quite a team in the season’s penultimate episode. But once the finale offers some new answers about what exactly transpired between Doris and Wo Fat in that safe house, you can expect the the mother-son relationship to be as fraught as ever. “”McGarrett is getting to a place that he has to trust the people in his life,” executive producer Peter Lenkov says. “[But] with Doris… it’s always one step forward, two steps back. The moment he starts to trust her, she does something to break that trust.” As such, don’t look for Mama McGarrett’s story to be completely wrapped up in the finale. “We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface,” Lenkov says.

What’s coming up on Elementary? —Penny
NATALIE: The series will be doing an entire episode devoted to one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock stories, “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” in which Holmes is enlisted to recover sensitive material from the titular blackmailer, who targets the families of rape victims — but there’s a twist. “At the very end of the [original] story, Milverton is killed and Sherlock walks away,” executive producer Rob Doherty says. “We didn’t think that really fit for our structure, so for us, that’s really the beginning of the story. Sherlock is hired to recover something, happens to be there when somebody comes after Milverton and then has to figure out what to do next.”

I’ll take anything you can share about Supernatural. — Trish
ADAM: If you’re expecting the return of Felicia Day’s Charlie on the April 24 episode to be as much fun as the LARP-ing episode, prepare yourself for something a little different. “We’ve become very familiar with Charlie’s sarcasm, [but] I think [this] really gives us an opportunity to go a bit deeper,” executive producer Jeremy Carver says. “Although there will be some geeky fun as Dean tries to teach Charlie how to be a demon hunter, she’s also carrying a deep secret that could get her killed. “The boys start to uncover many, many layers of Charlie… and it’s ultimately a really rather emotional [episode]. It certainly resonates with the boys.”

Is Jerry retiring on Parks and Recreation the answer to your blind item? —Betty
NATALIE: Yes indeed, but fear not: Executive producer Mike Schur promises they’re not kicking Jim O’Heir off the show. “In that episode where his pension kicks in, he does intend to fully retire,” Schur says. Meanwhile, the finale will give April some life-changing news, so keep an eye out for our must-see finales gallery to get the scoop on what it could be.

Any hints about the Southland finale? — Jacob
ADAM: The full force of the LAPD will be out searching for the meth heads who kidnapped John Cooper and killed his partner — everyone except Cooper himself, who’s stuck behind a desk. And yes, given his recent experience, he’s an emotional wreck. “As bad as things have been, he still hasn’t hit bottom,” Michael Cudlitz tells us. “But he will.” Elsewhere, look for Ben’s duplicitous behavior come to light in a major confrontation with Sammy. “I don’t think the partnership can be saved at this point,” Ben McKenzie says. “The relationship is not left ambiguous. You know where they stand, for better or worse.”

Adam’s Mega Rave: Can we get a slow clap for Mad Men‘s Alison Brie? The verbal ass-kicking Trudy gave Pete as she threw him out of the house could only have been better if she had done this.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: The Pitch Perfect reunion during the MTV Movie Awards was anything but perfect. Hello, how about giving the rest of the cast a little screen time?! Totally wasted opportunity.

Mega Buzz: A Glee Exit, Person of Interest’s Virus, and a Grey’s Return

It’s been so long since you offered up any scoop on Glee. Please! —Sammie
NATALIE: This week’s episode is a game-changer, to say the least, after someone at McKinley High makes a bold decision that will leave their future at the school in question. If I say any more, Ryan Murphy will kill me, but considering his penchant for timely topics, this one shouldn’t be too hard to figure out.

I love Person of Interest. Will the Stanton Virus wreak havoc on the Machine?
ADAM: Finch pretty much confirmed in the last episode that the virus was most likely behind the Machine’s glitchy behavior in recent episodes. But it sounds like the Machine will fight back in the run-up to this year’s finale. “What’s really interesting about the Machine is whether or not you believe it is an evolving organism,” executive producer Greg Plageman says. “What happens when an organism like that comes under attack? The question to ask is: Have we seen all the facets of the Machine and its true power?” Anyone else hoping to see Terminators in Season 3?

What’s going to happen to Bailey on Grey’s Anatomy? —Mary
NATALIE: Her job will be on the line when the CDC comes to town to investigate her. But the good news is that her faithful husband Ben (Jason George) will return from Los Angeles to offer moral support. Love me some BCB!

So glad Mad Men is back, even though Don is up to his old habits. On the upside, does that mean he’ll get his mojo back at wor
ADAM: Creator Matthew Weiner doesn’t believe that Don ever lost his mojo. And although Don often worries about being pushed out by the younger generation, Weiner says the creativity on display in Don’s ill-fated Hawaii ad is actually a sign of promise. “People have some expectation that Don is going to be left behind — that he’s some kind of relic,” Weiner says. “I feel like the society is becoming more like Don and he’s never been more in touch with what’s going on.” Nevertheless, the Royal Hawaiian begs to differ.

Got any scoop on The Vampire Diaries spin-off episode? —Jorge
NATALIE: After Klaus and Haley’s hookup, Phoebe Tonkin’s casting on the spin-off makes a little more sense, but in the backdoor-pilot episode, we’ll discover why they’ll always be connected — and why Elijah is so damn happy about it.

I really loved the Hannibal premiere. How quickly will we get to see more of Dr. Lecter’s misdeeds? — Nathan
ADAM: All in good time, Nathan. “We will see the Hannibal we know several times,” Mads Mikkelsen promises. “But it has to be his private moments.” In the meantime, Hannibal has other fish to fry. Perhaps the most pressing: What happens when Abigail Hobbs wakes up? After all, the man who called to warn her father the FBI was coming had a pretty recognizable voice…

Please tell me that Parks and Recreation is going to get renewed!  –Darren
NATALIE: I’m crossing my fingers like the rest of you, but I do have some news on the season finale: Leslie Knope will be looking back on her year in office during Pawnee’s Founder’s Week. As she reflects, some major players from the town will make cameos, including Jason Schwartzman’s adult-video store owner, moral watchdogs Marcia and Marshall Langman, Wamapoke Indian Ken Hotate and, quite possibly, Jean-Ralphio.

What can you tell me about the upcoming Hawaii Five-0 prequel episode?
ADAM: McGarrett travels to North Korea to collect the remains of a fellow SEAL who died in the mission we saw a snippet of in the first episode of the series. Why does McGarrett go to such great lengths three years later? Let’s just McGarrett is indirectly to blame for his partner’s death. Several of the flashbacks play on father-son dynamics, which makes watching the re-contextualized scene of McGarrett talking to his dad for the last time even more brutal.

I can’t wait for Sebastian Moran to return on Elementary! Got any scoop? —John
NATALIE: Sebastian Moran (Vinnie Jones) will send Sherlock on the path to hunting down Moriarty, but instead, Holmes will come across another one of the mastermind’s agents, who is quite different from the brutish, outwardly aggressive Moran. This new foe may have taken a page out of Homeland‘s book.

I liked Bill Hader on The Mindy Project. Is he coming back at all this season?
ADAM: You’re in luck! The SNL vet will reprise his role as Mindy’s ex, Tom, in the penultimate episode of the season when she — in true Mindy fashion — runs into him at a frat party. While Mindy is there to party with her new protégé, Tom — who now boasts an eyebrow ring — is there to meet girls because his marriage is a “disaster.” But just when it looks like sparks might reignite, a surprise appearance by Pastor Casey will throw things off course. Stefon vs. a minister: We couldn’t have planned this better ourselves.

What’s going to happen to Nora on Revolution when General Monroe kidnaps her? —Joan
NATALIE: It’s not good, to say the least. “Like any person that is so inextricably intertwined in the rebels, she has information and information is power to Monroe, so the concept of having her in his grasp means that he’s going to squeeze her until he gets what he needs,” David Lyons says with a sly smile that does not bode well for Nora. Ruh-roh.

I’m so excited that Laura Benanti is joining Royal Pains! What more can you spill about her character?
ADAM: Her character, Shelby, works for the company that recently bought Hamptons Heritage. First up: The new owners will add a concierge service exactly like HankMed. But instead of looking to hire a rival doctor to lead the new in-house team, Shelby actually attempts to buy HankMed. The brothers Lawson enjoy being wined and dined, but this potential partnership could be complicated when Divya treats Shelby for a dislocated finger and discovers that she’s suffering from a much more serious medical condition.

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Move over, Rayna and Juliette: The real stars of Nashville are Rayna’s children Maddie and Daphne Conrad (portrayed by the musically inclined Lennon and Maisy Stella). If you weren’t touched by their rendition of “Ho Hey,” then you have no heart.

Adam’s Mini Rant: I love you, Breaking Bad, and I will miss you terribly when you’re gone. But, with all due respect to Bob Odenkirk, we all know, deep down, we don’t want a spin-off about Saul.

Mega Buzz: The Revolution Tower, Following’s Missteps and an Americans Death

Thanks for all the scoop on Revolution. What the heck is the tower?! — Clark
NATALIE: We will see the tower of power before the end of the season, co-executive producer David Rambo says. “It’s very much like the cave that the Dragon guards in mythology,” he says. “It’s a place of a lot of power and it’s dangerous for everybody who goes in there. Whoever controls the tower, controls the power.”

Will the FBI ever do something right on The Following? They can’t all be that stupid, can they? — Jason
ADAM: We can’t speak for the whole Bureau, but Kevin Bacon promises that his Ryan Hardy will eventually get a leg up on Joe Carroll. “Because [Joe's] such an intelligent character, we always have this idea that he has to have this master plan that’s bigger and smarter than all of us,” Bacon says. “That’s actually a little bit of a façade. You start to see cracks in the facade and you start to see that he does have vulnerabilities. The minute that happens, [Ryan has] the instinct to know that’s what’s going on. [It makes him] stronger and stronger… and it does get him back on track.”

The Americans is my new favorite show. What can you tease? — Derek
NATALIE: Someone in the FBI will soon discover Phillip and Elizabeth’s true identities — and will pay the ultimate price for it. But what will the FBI, which is already on edge after the KGB killed three of their men, do in retaliation? You’ll be shocked to find out what lines Beeman will cross in his quest for vengeance.

What can you tease about the Person of Interest finale? — Lisa
ADAM: Executive producer Jonathan Nolan promises that Reese and Finch’s nemesis Root (Amy Acker) may finally have her day with Shaw (Sarah Shahi). The bad news: Our team of heroes may not be equipped to handle to the fallout. “We are going to see something from Fusco’s past come back that becomes very divisive among our guys,” executive producer Greg Plageman teases. “It becomes an interesting point of conflict in whether our characters can ever actually move past that.” Adds Nolan: “We’re trying to avoid the idea that they always save everybody all the time,” Nolan says. “This is not a season that necessarily ends well for anybody… If that’s what folks are looking for, they’re going to be disappointed.”

Got any scoop on New Girl? — Cameron
NATALIE: Jess may actually get a stable job! I can exclusively reveal that 24‘s Mary Lynn Rajskub will guest-star in an upcoming episode as a fellow teacher friend of Jess’ who offers her a new job. But will Jess blow the interview? Stay tuned!

I’ll take any kind of Bones spoiler you’re willing to share! — Maggie
ADAM: You’ve heard that this season’s penultimate episode is crazy-intense, right? “It’s kind of shot like 24 and everyone’s life is in danger,” executive producer Stephen Nathan says of the episode, which features an outbreak of a highly contagious, deadly disease in the lab that will infect one of the team members. Since Booth is furiously trying to get into the locked-down Jeffersonian, conventional wisdom might point to Brennan being the afflicted. But our money is on Cam or her new lover Arastoo. “[This] crisis deepens their relationship quite a bit,” Nathan teases. “It’s going to be very intense for them.”

What’s coming up on 2 Broke Girls? — Olivia
NATALIE: Caroline’s father Martin Channing (Steven Weber) will return in an upcoming episode — which is actually not a good thing. A woman who used to work for him is being paid to write a tell-all book in which she claims they were lovers. Naturally, Caroline will come to her father’s defense.

I’m not feeling Garcia’s new boyfriend on Criminal Minds. Can’t she and Morgan get together already? — Bethany
ADAM: Nope! Shemar Moore promises us that will never happen. But if it makes you feel better, there are “absolutely no plans” for Morgan to get lucky in the love department. “Everyone’s pairing off or has dated someone longer than one episode — even [Reid] got a girlfriend — but I understand that Morgan won’t get a long-term girlfriend,” he says. “People feel like he’s cheating on Garcia when he goes on a date! So he’s going to remain the single guy.”

I can’t wait for Parks and Recreation to return! — Jackson
NATALIE: Me either! Especially because an upcoming episode will feature Leslie going head-to-head with… Ron?! The duo will disagree on what to do on a particular project and they’ll have to fight for Councilman Jamm’s vote to get their way. And just because Jamm will soon be going to court with Ron, that doesn’t mean Leslie has the upper hand, especially when it comes to ultimate competition: mini-golf!

I’m so glad Justified will be back next year. Got any early scoop on Season 5? — Evan
ADAM: Walton Goggins seems pretty confident that, after Ava’s arrest, we’ll see more of heartbroken Boyd next season, despite his new heroin partnership with Wynn Duffy. “He has everything that he’s ever wanted, except the only thing that really mattered to him,” Goggins says. “To be away from Ava is his worst nightmare.” So, will Ava’s sad fate inspire Boyd to turn his back once and for all on his outlaw ways? Probably not. Then again, Goggins says, “In the life that he’s chosen and the price that he’s ultimately paying, I think this is a man who will probably be disgusted with himself. I don’t know that he’s ever felt that before.”

When are we going to see Diggle go after Deadshot on Arrow? — Kathleen
NATALIE: Very soon — though David Ramsey says the ramifications of that may also spill into Season 2. “For once you get to see the strong, stringent soldier,” Ramsey says. “He’s out for blood. Deadshot’s presence in his life will not only create a bloodthirst with Diggle, but it will also cause a problem with him and his new relationship.” Speaking of relationships, Diggle’s quest for vengeance will also put his partnership with Oliver to the test.

I’ve missed Vegas. What can you tell me about the upcoming episode? — Tyler
ADAM: When the show returns Friday, the FBI will try to make an informant out of a Savoy employee who runs into some trouble with the law. (When you work for the mob, maybe you shouldn’t have sex with underage prostitutes.) Realizing the Feds have their hooks in one of his guys, Savino will recruit a familiar face in law enforcement to help him do the dirty work of getting the skim out of Vegas and back to Chicago. Sounds easy, right? Too bad it turns out to be deadly.

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Kudos to Castle for its Rear Window-inspired 100th episode, in which Castle believed he was witnessing a murder across the street only to discover it was all an elaborate scheme to get him to his surprise party. Best fake murder ever.

Adam’s Mini Rant: I blame Mariah Carey for Lazaro’s continued existence on American Idol. Sorry, Mimi, but his “courage” shouldn’t be factored into every one of your critiques and certainly shouldn’t keep him around longer than those with clearly superior voices.

Mega Buzz: Bones’ Finale, a Game of Thrones Baby, and a Mad Men Return

Any more teasers about the Bones finale? I’m still hoping for a proposal after Monday’s visit to the diamond shop! — Bridget
ADAM: While last year’s finale cast Brennan under suspicion, this season-ender may have some raising eyebrows about Booth. “There is a connection to Booth’s past,” executive producer Stephen Nathan says about the case in the finale. “We find out about some of his work at the FBI that we didn’t know about. And it appears as if the victims have a close connection to Booth.” So is Booth dirty or is this the work of the returning Pelant? Time will tell. As to the more bling-y part of your question: “The notion of marriage is again brought up in the finale,” Nathan teases. “If you thought the pot was stirred [this week], the pot… overflows and messes up the kitchen floor in the season finale.” Sounds like marriage to me!

Give me Game of Thrones scoop now or I’ll sic my dragon on you. — Chet
NATALIE: One unlucky bastard (no, not a literal one like Jon Snow) will tick off the wrong person and as a result, lose an appendage. Ouch! And if you think this sounds like The Walking Dead, then you’ll be interested to learn that another poor sap gets trussed up in a torture room, one leader will be betrayed and a baby will be born in the midst of violent events. All that and the dead rising back up to kill the living? Watch out, AMC!

So, now that we know Peggy will be on Mad Men this season, what can you tell us about her new gig? — Kris
ADAM: In some ways, Peggy’s new environment will feel very familiar, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. “Her example of how to be a boss is Don Draper, and I am not sure that’s the greatest example,” Elisabeth Moss tell us with a laugh. “The whole season is about people being confronted with their own demons and just kind of treading water and feeling like they just keep winding up in the same place. She might be trying to emulate Don, but she’s going to have to figure out how to be herself.”

Any Klaroline scoop for The Vampire Diaries? — Helen
NATALIE: When we last saw Klaus, he wasn’t looking so well, considering Silas had stabbed him with a piece of white oak stake. While we’re used to seeing Klaus care for/hurt/take advantage of Caroline when in a vulnerable state, this time the tables will be turned. As Klaus screams in pain trying to heal himself, Caroline walks in and finds him practically on his deathbed. In light of their recent relationship state, do you think she helps him or laughs in his face?

What’s next for Scarlett and Gunnar on Nashville now that they hooked up? — Rachael
ADAM: Trouble, of course! (Happy couples don’t make for good drama, you know.) In particular, look for The O.C.‘s Chris Carmack, who plays the duo’s new neighbor, to come between the couple. But it’s not Scarlett who’s swept off her feet. “He becomes Gunnar’s new dude-friend, because he hasn’t had a guy friend,” Sam Palladio tells us. “He’s always hanging out with Scarlett. … He needs a companion, and Will becomes that kind of best mate. … He ends up actually finding a new lease on life with this new character.” Anyone think that sounds a little more than friendly? Perhaps you should!

I want some scoop! — James
NATALIE: Since you asked so nicely, I shall give you a blind item! Before the end of the season, a half-hour comedy will say farewell to a beloved character… because said person is retiring! Ready for your clues? Oh, you just want me to paint you a picture?! (OK, there’s your clue. You’re welcome!)

Got any spoilers for The Mentalist? — Nancy
ADAM: If J.J. Laroche’s return visit in this week’s episode was not enough for you, then I’ve got good news! He will be back in this season’s penultimate episode. And while that fact instantly made me think Laroche is connected to the escalating Red John case, executive producer Tom Szentgyorgi was quick to dispel that notion. So, why is the big guy back? “The mystery of what Laroche has in the Tupperware container in his safe will finally be answered,” he says.

Please give me hope for my favorite New Girl couple: Cece and Schmidt. —Lisa
NATALIE: Considering Cece is about to marry Shivrang, I wouldn’t get your hopes up. But as the arranged couple heads toward their wedding day, there will be plenty of doubts — and not just from Cece. Surprisingly, a badger may be Schmidt’s salvation.

I loved the double reveal on SVU of Benson’s mystery man and Amaro’s secret child. Will Amaro and Benson’s partnership be affected? —Brett
ADAM: Not really. In fact, Wednesday’s episode, which tells the story of a woman (The Walking Dead‘s Lauren Cohan) carrying the baby of the man who raped her, brings Benson and Amaro closer as Olivia finally divulges more details about her own troubled origins to her partner. As far as Benson’s new lover is concerned, don’t look for explicit developments on that front right away. However, Benson’s troubled romantic past in general is called into question when she’s forced to testify.

I still can’t believe The Big C is ending. Will you give me scoop to help me cope? — Horace
NATALIE: We’ll quickly find out what happened to Cathy after she apparently set sail off into the deep blue sea. Suffice it to say, Cathy will face some major life changes, including quitting her job after learning someone very close to her also has cancer.

I’d love any CSI scoop you have! — Will
ADAM: How about some of the exclusive casting variety? I hear Teen Wolf baddie Ian Bohen will guest-star in this season’s penultimate episode as Thomas Pope, a vicious serial killer who once owned a house where another brutal murder has just been committed. But before you assume the former killer is back at it, know this: The house is believed to be haunted. Anyone know how to handcuff a ghost?

Do you have any scoop on Happy Endings? — Lara
NATALIE: I do! Which is what someone will be saying in the finale, per usual, but who actually walks down the aisle will surprise you, especially considering I hear there are breakups (yes, breakups) on the horizon. But fear not: I also hear the stork will be paying a visit.

Adam’s Mega Rave: I know NBC hasn’t put out a lot of great dramas this midseason (looking at you, Do No Harm and Deception), but don’t let that keep you from checking out Hannibal. It’s well-acted, tense and thrilling without being too gory. So dole out the fava beans and pour a nice Chianti and enjoy the ride!

Natalie’s Mini Rant: OK, so Ted says he is going to meet the mother in 45 days, which puts it roughly around the date of the How I Met Your Mother season finale. If he doesn’t meet her then, I am so out.

Mega Buzz: A Grey’s Breakup, a Mad Men Death and Good Wife Sexytime

What’s coming up on Grey’s Anatomy? — Heather
NATALIE: A breakup! One of the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital couples will be calling it quits after some serious dishonesty in the relationship. Shonda Rhimes would have my head if I told you who, but I’ll give you this one hint: It’s not Meredith and Derek.

What can you tell me about the new season of Mad Men? —Juliet
ADAM: Lane Pryce’s suicide — and indeed the darkness of mortality itself — looms large over the new season, both literally and creatively. (No more lyrical, stirring speeches about slide projectors!) When one character goes missing, it’s Betty whose attempt at self-sacrifice leads her, predictably, back to Narcissus’ mirror. And here’s a fun game you can play when you watch the season premiere: Guess what year it is just based on all the new facial hairscapes.

Things have been so awkward between Alicia and Will since they kissed on The Good Wife. Are they going to jump back in the sack or what? — Amber
ADAM: Not exactly, but you will see some very steamy scenes when Alicia’s memories of a murdered client (Fringe‘s John Noble, who hands in a stellar performance) also bring back flashes of her time with Will. When someone else — cough, Laura, cough —inquires about Will’s availability, Alicia is forced to make a decision between him and Peter. Sure, it seems obvious that she would choose Peter, but those flashbacks are pretty, uh, convincing.

I want some scoop on New Girl! —  Jaime
NATALIE: Get ready for Cece’s bachelorette party! Jess will throw the affair, which will also mark the returns of Dr. Sadie and Cece’s roommate Nadia. While Jess is partying with the ladies, Nick will have a more daunting task for Shrivang’s bachelor party. He has to take a picture of Shrivang’s penis for Cece, who’s never seen him naked. Yowza!

When is the so-called “next chapter” of Joe’s plan going to begin on The Following? — Will
ADAM: Good question! Even James Purefoy admits that it seems like Joe and his followers are just kind of waiting around. But there’s a reason. “Joe is really all about Joe,” Purefoy says. “Until he gets Claire and Joey together with him, he’s not particularly interested into moving on to anything else. … People are beginning to realize that there’s a dual plan: one that they’ve been told about and another that… [only] Joe’s thinking about.” But that strategy may not pay off for him in the long run. “Although Joe claims to have dozens and dozens of people who will die for him, he starts running out,” Purefoy teases.

Is winter here yet? I need some Game of Thrones scoop to hold me over until the premiere! — Philip
NATALIE: Watch out, Khaleesi! When Daenerys visits Slaver’s Bay to recruit help for her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne, another attempt will be made on her life. Never fear though. We won’t lose the dragon mother that easily. A familiar face arrives unexpectedly to save her, and this person could provide important insight into her enemy.

I can’t believe Klaus and Haley hooked up! Will that continue on The Vampire Diaries spin-off? — Charlie
NATALIE: Not so fast. While we loved the fact that Klaus finally got some, Joseph Morgan says this is not a story line that will continue on The Originals. “Because we were the first people cast — myself, Daniel Gillies and Phoebe Tonkin — it’s easy to assume that it’ll be a love triangle with Haley and the two brothers, but it’s something so utterly different,” Morgan says, adding, “That would be a cheap shot to have a carbon copy of The Vampire Diaries, which [the spin-off] really isn’t.” Well, it was fun while it lasted.

What can you tell me about Deacon’s new love interest on Nashville? — Heather
ADAM: Although the character, played by Susan Misner, is a veterinarian, she is also a West Coast Nashville transplant — which means she’s not intimidated by Deacon’s celebrity status. And although Deacon is drawn to her “outsider” ways —a tour of the city ends in Deacon’s bedroom — she’s none too impressed by the way he just drops everything for a gig.

Do you have any scoop on the Arrow season finale? — John
NATALIE: The finale will include a “seminal moment in Oliver’s evolution on the island,” executive producer Marc Guggenheim tells me, noting that the climax of the season in flashback will be as pivotal as the one in present day. “What’s Fyres up to, where do Yao-Fei’s allegiances lie, why is Shado on the island, the missile launcher that you saw at the end of Episode 16; all these things will get paid off in the last episode of Season 1.”

What can you tell me about Ryan’s undercover episode on Castle? — Brittney
ADAM: When the team’s murder investigation leads to an Irish crime family Ryan once infiltrated, he dusts off his old tough-guy persona (and clothes), which comes as a major shock to his colleagues. “He’s mild-mannered and he’s a family man. We always see him in the sweater vests and the ties,” Seamus Dever jokes. But perhaps worse, Ryan has to reconnect with an old flame, which he can’t tell his wife. “It cuts close to the bone,” Dever says. “He can’t explain all the things and he doesn’t want to scare her and tell her that he’s walking back into the hornet’s nest.”

Got any scoop on 2 Broke Girls? — Larissa
NATALIE: Caroline gets fired from the diner! Speaking of jobs, the ladies dabble in the TV world as extras, but when they find out they may need to sleep their way into a speaking role, Caroline balks. Back to the breadline for her! What about Max? Oh please, she’ll totally keep her job, if you know what I mean.

I really liked Bates Motel. Any teases of what’s to come? — Kevin
ADAM: Norma and Norman’s trouble with the law is far from over. In fact, before helping his mother dispose of the body of Keith Summers, Norman actually kept a souvenir that could potentially ruin them both. Plus: We’ll get a first look at Norman’s killer instinct during an argument with his brother Dylan. But ask yourself this: Why can’t Norman remember the fight?

Natalie’s Mega Rave: The ladies of Once Upon a Time — specifically Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla — showed real heart, heh, in Sunday’s episode. Here’s hoping that Emmy voters were watching.

Adam’s Mini Rant: Hey, American Idol: Revealing the contestants’ ranking each week was a bad, suspense-deflating idea when X Factor tried it. So why are you bothering?

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: New Girl’s First Date, Following’s Alliances and a Nashville Triumph

New Girl is killing me with this relationship drama! Please tell me that Nick and Jess will wise up and get together, and that Cece will dump her fiancé for Schmidt. — Mina

NATALIE: Good news: Nick and Jess will go on a first date. Bad news: Their date doesn’t go as planned. “Neither one of us wants to admit to being on a date,” Zooey Deschanel tells us. “And then Russell, Dermot [Mulroney]‘s character, is in the same restaurant.” Awkward ex alert! Meanwhile, it seems that Schmidt is not going to try and win back Cece after all. “He will try and get a plus-one for her wedding and tries to find an ex-girlfriend of his [played by Merritt Wever],” Max Greenfield says. “And when he finds her, he realizes, ‘Oh, wait a minute. This was special when we were together.’”

So Ryan’s new boss on The Following is clearly one of Joe’s people, right? — Jason
ADAM: Wow, you don’t trust anyone, huh? Then again, it was suspicious that Agent in Charge Donovan (Mike Colter) just so happened to send Weston home early on the same day that Joe’s cronies planned to abduct him, right? “It did seem a little odd,” Colter admits with a laugh. “You are always are going to have to look at everyone…  and watch everything they do carefully because you just don’t know where the weaknesses are or whose allegiance is there.” Hmm, that didn’t sound like a denial! But speaking of allegiance, Donovan & Co. may be able to use Joe’s cult members against each other. “What happens when Jacob and Paul actually catch up with Emma? … She double-crossed them,” Colter teases. “She’s backstabbing. … It seems like everybody has their own motivation.”

What’s next for Juliette on Nashville after she fired her manager? — Emily
ADAM: “[She's] taking her career into her own hands and singing the things that she’s really passionate about,” Hayden Panettiere says. “People assume… that she’s just somebody’s puppet, and she wants to prove everyone wrong.” But will that ambition come back to bite her in the long run? “[Taking] hold of her own empire … can be good or it could be disastrous,” executive producer Dee Johnson says. “But I think she is largely going to continue to be successful. The question is: What’s it like when you get everything you want?”

I can’t wait for Annie Wersching on Revolution! Got any scoop? — John
NATALIE: As you may have heard, Wersching’s character Emma was actually Miles’ first love, but Billy Burke told us at PaleyFest that the two share an even deeper connection. “She’s his high school sweetheart,” Burke says. “They were actually engaged at one point, but as life happens, something came between them much earlier than the event that the show is about. We revisit Bass and Miles’ hometown and that’s where we’ll find her.”

Do you have any hints about this year’s Castle finale? Will Jack Coleman’s Bracken be back? — Kristen
ADAM: While executive producer Andrew W. Marlowe doesn’t rule out a return from Sen. Bracken this season, he says that character doesn’t really figure into the finale. Instead, expect an “emotional” season-ender that pays off some of Beckett’s season-long questions about her man. “We’ve spent four and a half years really unpeeling who Beckett is, but we haven’t learned a lot about Castle,” Marlowe says. “We want to have Beckett look at that and wonder what kind of relationship she’s going to be in if he is withholding stuff. To what extent can he open up and be secure enough with her?” But before you start thinking breakup, let Stana Katic calm your fears. “There are some mini bumps,” she says,” but there is some high-stakes stuff that brings them even closer.”

The Walking Dead scoop, please! — Seth
NATALIE: Fans of the comics will be both pleased and absolutely terrified by a particular setting in this Sunday’s episode that is pulled straight from one of  the most vile and frustratingly heartbreaking portions of Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead comic book. But, just like an earlier scene this season, the twist involves who will step foot in this infamous location.

What’s next for Jane on The Mentalist now that Red John killed Lorelei? — Bryan
ADAM: Lorelei may be gone, but the intel she’s already shared with Jane — that Red John is someone Jane has shaken hands with before — will remain crucial to the remainder of this season. “This season has been about Jane digging into the notion that it’s not that Red John could be anyone; it’s that Red John is one of a very specific set of people that Jane is uniquely qualified to investigate,” Tom Szentgyorgyi tells us. “The finale is going to pay that off in a way that will completely change the hunt for Red John. We are going to know some very specific things about who he might be.”

The Evil Queen rides again! How will Regina get her revenge on Once Upon a Time? — Alison
NATALIE: “All bets are off,” Lana Parrilla tells me and adds that Regina with be more than pissed off with both the Charming Family and Rumplestiltskin. “I think she’s more dangerous than she’s ever been. She’s even more dangerous because… she makes the choice to be the bad girl again and that’s scary because she’s just so angry. Her relationship with Rumple before was a game, but now I think she’s going to really go after him.”

How will Sue Ellen react to J.R.’s death on Dallas? — Heather
ADAM: Though we saw a temporary moment of weakness as the long-sober Sue Ellen chugged some of J.R.’s finest bourbon, don’t expect that lapse to send her into a downward spiral. “She has to take a little pause to reflect [but] she keeps going,” Linda Gray says. “She’s very strong. In the original episodes, she was rather a victim. When J.R. did something, she would react. Now she’s like, ‘I’m stepping up. I’m in control. I know all the tricks of the oil business.’ Look out world, here she comes.”

OMG, is Sarah really alive on Arrow? — Mellie
NATALIE: The Arrow writers are masterful magicians, because while we’re all focused on that question, there’s an even bigger reveal on the horizon. “Believe me when I tell you there is another bombshell that will really… shake Laurel down to her core,” Marc Guggenheim says. But there is a chance of seeing Sarah again; the show will eventually flash back to before the Queen’s Gambit sunk to reveal why Oliver brought that Lance sister along.

On Justified, Boyd is in deep. Will he survive this season? — Terry, via Twitter
ADAM: The better question might be: Will he survive next week’s episode? At least a couple of bodies will pile up as seemingly every thug in Harlan County tries to kill Drew Thompson, despite his being in Marshal Service’s custody. That leads to a number of intense, hold-your-breath standoffs between Raylan and Boyd as well as a particularly bloody showdown between Boyd and Mike O’Malley’s Nicky Augustine. Somebody will lose a body part….

What’s coming up on Parks and Recreation? Something about Ron, please. — Danny
NATALIE: Although Ron punching Jamm in the face was pretty much the best part of Ben and Leslie’s wedding — other than them actually getting hitched, of course — our favorite bacon-loving director of the Parks Department may come to regret that moment. “There is an episode down the line where his actions come back to affect him,” executive producer Mike Schur tells me. “Councilman Jamm is not an easily forgiving person, so suffice it to say, there will be ramifications.”

Natalie’s Mega Rave: What a difference a host makes! Justin Timberlake restored my faith in Saturday Night Live hosts — and fortunately my favorite mother lovers came along for a ride. Here’s to Timberlake eventually getting inducted into the 10-timers club.

Adam’s Mini Rant: Thanks, Lena Dunham and Girls! I’ve never been more afraid of Q-Tips in my life!

Mega Buzz: A Revolution Death, a Bones Engagement and a Vampire Catfight!

Thanks for the Revolution scoop! Is there anything you can tease about the return episode? — James

NATALIE: Death! Yup, there will be a major casualty in the very first episode back. Executive producer Eric Kripke offered up this one tease: “I can say that it changes the dynamic wildly,” he says. “It’s a story that really kicks off the mythology for the rest of the season.” Any guesses as to who’s going to bite the dust?

What have you heard about Bones‘ finale? Any chance we’ll see an engagement for Brennan and Booth? — Britney
ADAM: Executive producer Stephan Nathan promises a “natural evolution of the characters,” in the season-ender. But he also says the show’s early Season 9 renewal freed the writers to really advance the plot. Does that mean the finale will scratch that nagging engagement itch? Doesn’t sound like it. “We’ll always scratch at it,” Nathan says with laugh. “Whether the itch gets satisfied is something certainly for another season. ‘Will they or won’t they?’ is a question that people should continue to ask.”

What can you say about Vampire Diaries‘ return next week? — Harlan
NATALIE: The new and maybe not so improved Elena is going to be one feisty vampire. Not only will she taunt both Salvatores with her nakedness (sounds a little Katherine-esque, right?), but she’ll get in a major fight with her BFF Caroline. And we’re not talking a war of the words, but an all-out physical brawl. Who do you think wins?

What happened to Nick’s girlfriend on CSI. They mentioned her, but nothing ever came of it! — Susan
ADAM: Although that passing mention is likely all you’re going to get this season, executive producer Don McGill tells me that he has big plans for a major arc involving Nick’s love life next year. “[We want] a very interesting, high-stakes, possibly … forbidden relationship that would have a hint of danger for Nick,” McGill says. “Whether it’s someone in the hierarchy of the LVPD or whether it’s someone we meet through a case who … may even be a suspect, it will [be] an affair that poses risks, both professionally and personally.”

OMG, is Once Upon a Time going to Neverland?! —Jayma
NATALIE: Based on the final two episode titles, it certainly sounds like it. But I have some bad news about the finale. If last year’s was about breaking the curse, this year’s is a little more ominous than that. “At the end of last year, Mr. Gold said magic was coming. Now that magic is here, it always comes with a price. In the finale, we’ll see that price,” executive producer Edward Kitsis tells me. Does that mean someone is going to die? Executive producer Adam Horowitz adds, “We should always be worried about death, but I would say that there are things to be worried about that you are probably not worried about yet, but you will be!”

Will we get more details about Rossi and Strauss’ relationship on Criminal Minds?  — Heather
ADAM: Yup. Following Strauss’ return in last Wednesday’s episode, you can expect a few offhand comments about their hush-hush fling in the coming weeks. But executive producer Erica Messer tells us that their relationship will really come into play in the final two episodes of the season. “You will see a little more of it,” she says. So more scenes of them coming out of hotel rooms? “Or going into one!” Messer teases.

Any scoop on The Walking Dead? —  Nick
NATALIE: The Governor will soon be dealing with dissention among Woodbury’s ranks — which could actually be good news for Rick and his prison pals. “The problem is, in deserting The Governor, does chaos ensue?” Laurie Holden says. “That’s the one thing that Andrea wants to avoid, because if these people leave Woodbury and they don’t have ammunition and supplies, their chances of survival are very slim. It’s a very tumultuous time and we all have to make very carefully thought-out decisions.” Like whether they should leave now, or two months ago?

Got any more scoop on Benson’s mystery man on SVU? — Gina
ADAM: I can tell you that the reveal of Benson’s secret relationship will not sit well with her partner Amaro, who is hurt that Benson didn’t trust him with the information. But perhaps Amaro shouldn’t throw stones. I hear that a ghost from the sometimes-hot-headed cop’s own secret past will resurface to haunt him in a life-changing way.

I know this sounds weird, but I’ve started to ‘ship Mouse and Sebastian on Carrie Diaries. Any hope for them? — Darla
NATALIE: Sorry, Darla: Sebastian and Carrie really are getting back together. But Mouse won’t be alone for long. “She is about to bump into somebody who is both competition and a potential love interest in a fellow student,” executive producer Amy B. Harris tells us. “Her journey takes a surprising twist. Some of the choices she made with Seth are going to come back to haunt her.” That doesn’t sound good.

Are we going to see Ivy in a relationship at all this season on Smash? — Trish
ADAM: Yes! But you’re probably going to have to wait for a bit. “For the most part, she’s focusing on turning her career around,” Megan Hilty tells us. “[She's] kind of putting the romance on the back burner. But by the end of the season, she’s definitely got a strong love interest.” Good news for Derek-Ivy fans? Or could her romantic partner be someone new? Hit the comments with your guesses!

I need some Arrow scoop. Will the Dark Archer change his mind about Oliver now? —  Luke
NATALIE: Perhaps. After Oliver inadvertently saved his foe’s life, there may be a détente on the horizon. “It certainly makes the Dark Archer see potential that he maybe didn’t see before for something greater,” Geoff Johns tells me. Here’s hoping this means our theory won’t come true.

What can you tell me about Hill Harper’s character on Covert Affairs? — Seth
ADAM: The former CSI: NY star will play a cocky CIA station chief in Latin America who’s looking to land a job in Washington. To do so, he’ll try to befriend Annie and Auggie, but that may not be so easy. “I think he’s going to come in and really try and put his stamp on the DPD,” Christopher Gorham tells us. “He’s ambitious. Ambitious in the ‘maybe [he] rubs people the wrong way’ kind of way.” Come on, who doesn’t love a little interoffice rivalry?

Adam’s Mega Rave: Why can’t Lennie James always be on The Walking Dead? This week’s episode was the best since the pilot, which also featured James. Coincidence? I think not.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: Dear Kevin Hart, Screaming every line on Saturday Night Live does not make it funnier. Love, Nat.

Mega Buzz: Parks’ Threesome, An SVU Shocker and a Grey’s Mole

What’s coming up on Parks and Recreation? — Kevin
NATALIE: Besides an elegant wedding? What the French call “le threeway sex.” Yes, Tom’s head just may explode if he gets his way and has a menage-a-Pawnee. What’s more: One-third of that saucy triangle could be Ann. We’ll wait while your head explodes.

Got any good SVU scoop? — Brad
ADAM: Thanks to Detective Rollins’ black sheep sister (guest star Lindsay Pulsipher), the SVU squad will have another run-in with Internal Affairs’ Sgt. Tucker (Robert John Burke). “He’s the Javert of SVU,” executive producer Warren Leight jokes. Tucker will get his claws into Rollins when she shoots her sister’s deadbeat boyfriend to stop him from attacking her. There’s just one little wrinkle: Rollins’ sister recently took out an insurance policy on her babydaddy. “The question becomes,” Leight teases, “did her sister set this up… to make the big score?”

I can’t believe the doctors quit! What’s coming up on Grey’s Anatomy? — Will
NATALIE: Even though the doctors have left Seattle Grace, Meredith still has a mole back at the hospital who keeps her apprised of her patients’ conditions and all the latest scoop on what’s left of the hospital. Any guesses?

Will the hunt for Eli David and Jackie Vance’s killer be resolved in this year’s NCIS finale? — Frank
ADAM: That would make sense, right? Although executive producer Gary Glasberg tells us the effects of those murders on Ziva and Director Vance will be felt throughout the rest of the season, Rocky Carroll isn’t so sure the case will necessarily be tied up. “This may be something that spills into next season,” he teases. “I wouldn’t be all that surprised if the resolve of this happens when [no one's thinking], ‘Hey, this is the episode where we solve it.’ It’s going to be one of those things that catches us off guard again.”

Is Jeremy really dead on The Vampire Diaries? How will Elena ever get over that? — Jessie
NATALIE: You’ll find out if he’s truly a goner before the next episode ends. But regardless of whether he lives, Elena is going to be in a bit of a state for a while. At times she will seem complete completely numb, while at others she will display a fiery recklessness that leads her to do something she might ultimately regret.

Why is Scott Foley’s Jake such a creeper on Scandal? — Linda
NATALIE: Just because Jake was spying on Olivia via hidden cameras, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s a creeper — at least that’s what Foley says. “Jake definitely isn’t doing this on his own,” he teases. “He was hired by a group or a person to keep an eye on her and to find out something about her.” Certainly his boss/es didn’t anticipate that he’d fall for Olivia. That will be one interesting date.

Any details on the Morgan-centric Criminal Minds episode? — Nancy
ADAM: Familiar faces! Executive producer Erica Messer tells us the show is finalizing deals for a lot of the actors who were in “Profiler, Profiled,” to return, including Skipp Sudduth, who played Morgan’s arresting officer Detective Stan Gordinski. The episode’s case will “ultimately lead back to the youth center,” where Morgan was sexually abused as a child, Messer says. “It will bring him more closure that he’s been needing for six years.”

Please tell me Negan is The Walking Dead comic book character that’s coming before the end of Season 3! — Johnny
NATALIE: Johnny! As if The Governor isn’t killing enough of our main characters, you want another sick and twisted dictator on the scene? But no, it’s someone else. “We’re going to keep that stuff in our back pocket, but everyone on our show is pretty excited about that character and looking forward to getting him on our show.” So who is it then? I’d put my money on seeing Morgan (Lennie James) again.

Is this week’s CSI: NY finale going to be the end of the series? — Katelyn
ADAM: “No one’s told us to write it so that it ends,” executive producer Pam Veasey says. Nevertheless, as has been the case for the past two seasons, the show’s writers had to craft an episode — in which Mac & Co. try to solve a case of a police shooting of an unarmed man — that could serve as a fitting end for either eventuality.

Heather saw Cat and Vincent kiss. How are they going to handle that on Beauty and the Beast? —Sarah
NATALIE: Well, nosy sister Heather will expect a meeting with Cat’s man, but the dinner doesn’t go so well. Let’s just say that Vincent does something that gives Heather a very bad impression. As a result, Heather and Tess will stage a “Vincent intervention.”

Turkey Baster. Disgusting. That is all. Any Shameless scoop? — Steph
NATALIE: Just you wait, Steph. The baster was tame compared to what they’ll do next in an attempt to get pregnant. It’s probably the first and only time that we can say that Shameless and Parks and Recreation will share similar plotlines in the near future. (See above.)

That Suits finale promo is not a red herring, right? Mike is going to tell Rachel his secret? — Gina
ADAM: All we’ll say is that Rachel’s Harvard ordeal is not over. She tells Mike that she was rejected because of Louis’ relationship with Sheila (which, remember, is a lie Louis came up with) and tries to use Mike’s status as a Harvard “alum” to make a case against Louis. Will he help her or come clean?

Adam’s Mega Rave: Nathan Fillion may not get to play the deeply emotional card that often on Castle, but he still knows how to make us feel his character’s anguish. Now we can’t wait to see him go all Liam Neeson and save Alexis!

Natalie’s Mini Rant: This week on 2 Broke Girls, Andy Dick played a super-creepy (does he do anything else?), litigious “marionette manipulator.” “I’m not drunk enough for this,” Max says, and we were right there with her.

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: A New Bones Beef, Scandal’s Frame Job and a Good Wife Exit

I heard there may be trouble ahead for Booth and Brennan on Bones. Please tell me that’s not true! — Hilary, via Twitter
ADAM: The couple did seem to be having some serious communication issues before Brennan got shot in this week’s episode. I think you can put safe money on those issues not being quickly resolved. In the meantime, Brennan will also have trouble with another man in her life: new squintern Oliver Wells (Brian Klugman), who has some issues with Brennan’s authority. “[He] is completely un-intimidated by Brennan. He does respect her, but he doesn’t revere her,” executive producer Stephen Nathan tells us. “That’s a new thing for these interns because [Brennan] holds their future in her hands. He has so many degrees and is so accomplished, he doesn’t need her. It’s very disorienting and disconcerting for her.”

OMG! Why is David Rosen being framed for murder on Scandal?! — Kate
NATALIE: We were just as shocked as you by the promo, so we got Josh Malina to fill us in — sort of. “First of all, can we really be surprised? After everything poor David Rosen has been put through, wouldn’t it be a disappointment if he didn’t wake up next to a dead woman? And, sure, the promo suggests he’s been framed, but all we see is Olivia saying that. She could be wrong. You feel me?” Let the conspiracy theories begin!

What’s going to happen on The Good Wife now that Alicia is an equity partner? — Jackie
ADAM: Well, that hothead David Lee isn’t going to like it, but look for an aggressive, outspoken Alicia to emerge. In fact, the face-off will be so intense that two of our favorite Lockhart Gardner employees will consider leaving the firm! Another side effect:  Alicia and Will’s romantic past rear its ugly head in a most unusual way. (Seriously, you’re not going to believe what you see.)

Any Klaus scoop before he heads to New Orleans on The Vampire Diaries? — Rachel
NATALIE: Can we say hot hybrid sex? Joseph Morgan’s wishes have been granted and in an episode to air in March, Klaus is finally getting some lovin’. But who’s the lucky girl? Share your best guesses in the comments!

Do you have any news on the upcoming NCIS: LA spin-off? — Bradley, via Twitter
ADAM: In the backdoor pilot episode of NCIS: LA, our merry band of agents meet the NCIS: Red team when a Marine’s murder in Idaho bears a striking resemblance to that of a suspected terrorist in Los Angeles. Sam and Callen head to Idaho, where they spend the night (in perhaps uncomfortably close quarters!) at the mobile unit’s makeshift headquarters. Although there is some mild flirtation between Callen and Kim Raver’s Agent Paris, it seems she’s not exactly over John Corbett’s retired analyst. But it’s not all about the new team: Look for that mysterious box that was addressed to Kensi in “Kill House” to reappear — this time on Deeks’ desk!

Is Derek really quitting Seattle Grace on Grey’s Anatomy? — Leo
NATALIE: Yes, but don’t worry: His resignation is most likely part of a plan to save the hospital. What should worry you: He’s not the only one. “[The plane crash survivors] come to terms with the fact that they don’t feel good about taking the settlement money,” Patrick Dempsey says. “Callie really feels that the best thing for them is to give the money back and to possibly buy the hospital. They look into it and realize they don’t have enough money and need to find some outside capital.” It’s a shame Addison and her trust fund couldn’t help them out.

It’s been a while since you offered up any Big Bang Theory scoop. What’s up? — Barney
NATALIE: Surprisingly, each of our favorite nerds will actually have a date for Valentine’s Day — even Raj! But it’s Leonard and Penny’s night out — which hits a rough patch when she witnesses her ex getting engaged — that will really make your heart swell after Leonard makes a proposal of his own. (No, not like all those other times.)

Can’t wait for Body of Proof to come back! What’s the dynamic like between Megan and Mark Valley’s new character Tommy? — Lisa
ADAM: Although the premiere doesn’t give us too much of Megan and Tommy’s backstory, it’s clear from Megan’s icy demeanor that she’s still a bit heartbroken. But she’s got bigger problems to worry about, including… her daughter being kidnapped! When Megan’s maternal instincts cloud her judgment and her daughter is put in harm’s way, look for Tommy to literally save her life. That ought to melt the ice a bit!

I can’t wait for this week’s Once Upon a Time! Is there anything you can tell us about Mr. Gold’s reunion with his son? — Dakota
NATALIE: The details of how this reunion takes place were actually foretold long ago, as a flashback will reveal — and that’s not a good thing, at least for one series regular. Suffice it to say, do not miss the final 30 seconds of Sunday’s episode.

Got any spoilers about the new season of Psych? — Heath
ADAM: Relationship troubles abound! Look for Shawn to be majorly uncomfortable when Juliet is forced to go on a number of dates for an undercover case she’s working. (Making matters worse, she’s dating mature, successful guys while Shawn is home sitting on his parents’ couch!) Elsewhere, Gus’ new relationship might be over before it starts once Shawn becomes convinced that she’s a serial killer.

Will Brenda Song return on New Girl? I loved her! — Shari
NATALIE: You are not alone in that assessment. The producers also love Daisy, Winston’s flirty, not-married new pal, which is why you’ll see her again next week! “She’s really funny and we really like her,” creator Liz Meriwether says, noting that because Jess/Nick and Schmidt/Cece are hitting bumpy roads ahead, the romance quotient on the show will, for now, be filled by Winston. “She’s tough love for him, which is fun and gives it back to him pretty intensely. She’s almost like a coach for him.”

Will anyone else find out Oliver’s secret on Arrow? — Dan
NATALIE: You betcha! And soon! In fact, you may be able to spot a clue in the awesome new trailer — OK, we’ll just tell you, it’s Felicity. But will she join Oliver’s Scooby gang? The answer will surprise you.

Adam’s Mega Rave: Thank you, CBS, for (potentially) bringing Lost‘s Josh Holloway back to TV. Seriously, what took everybody so long?

Natalie’s Mini Rant: If The Walking Dead goes on the hunt for the Dixon brothers like they did with Sophia, I’m out.

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: HIMYM’s Biggest Reveal, a Grey’s Exit and The Following’s Followers

Does Jeannette being Ted’s “final mistake” on How I Met Your Mother mean that she’s his last girlfriend before we meet the mother? — Brian

ADAM: Yes, but before we get to her, Ted needs to resolve his feelings about Robin once and for all. Though executive producer Craig Thomas wouldn’t pinpoint exactly when he’ll accomplish that and thus, when we’ll meet the mother, he insists that Robin and Barney’s established wedding date — May 25, 2013 — will stick. And we all know who’s performing at that wedding…

Please give us scoop from the Grey’s Anatomy set! — Stacie
NATALIE: With the fate of Seattle Grace in jeopardy, it seems only natural that the doctors will fear for their jobs. But just because Dr. Cahill threatened Dr. Webber’s employment doesn’t mean he’s the doctor who’ll hit the bricks. But someone else definitely will! Gasp! (It may or may not have to do with the series regulars I talked to on set today!)

I am ob-sessed with The Following. Please give me some spoilers on what’s next? — Chase
ADAM: Things get even more personal in the next episode when newly outed follower Maggie lures Ryan back to Brooklyn… by kidnapping his sister! Although the episode does a great job at highlighting Ryan’s past pain as the reason he pushes everyone away, it also puts him in mortal danger by way of one of the show’s most inventive killing methods yet. (Hint: Remember how Homeland‘s Brody killed the vice president?)

What kind of Valentine’s Day shenanigans can we look forward to on Castle? — Gina
ADAM: Let’s just say that Castle learned his lesson at Christmas when he foolishly didn’t buy Beckett a gift even though she told him not to. “This time, I think he might be overcompensating,” creator Andrew W. Marlowe says with a laugh. “Castle’s trying to outdo himself, and of course Castle’s best-laid plans go awry.” But don’t expect Castle and Beckett to have all the V-Day fun. “If [Esposito] has plans, he’s keeping them very secretive,” Jon Huertas teases. “Castle’s investigating Javier’s plans and constantly nagging him about… who he’s hanging out with. [He's] trying to see if my plans are not as good as his, not as romantic.”

Where have Tyler and Caroline been the last two episodes of Vampire Diaries? I need them back! — Jessica
NATALIE: The good news is that they’re back on screen Thursday. The bad news is that Caroline is put in perhaps her most dangerous situation yet and by someone pretty shocking.

When are we going to learn who Benson’s mystery man is on SVU? — Mel
ADAM: While I hear Benson’s secret lover will definitely be revealed before the end of the season, you’ll have to settle for the occasional tease in the meantime. For example, on Wednesday’s episode, Olivia shows up in a hot red dress when an investigation interrupts a little pre-Valentine’s Day date. Perhaps further interrupting the holiday plans: Benson is forced to take a road trip to Ohio with Bayard Ellis (Andre Braugher) to reopen the case of a Death Row inmate (guest star Mike Tyson). Conversation naturally turns to Ellis’ involvement in ending Benson’s relationship with ADA David Haden. Is that perhaps a tease in itself?

What time will the Once Upon a Time Lightning Round article be posted? —Hannah JoAnn, via Twitter
NATALIE: Soon, Hannah. Better yet, because I’m feeling generous today, I will give you a sneak preview! Will poor Belle ever get her memories back? The answer is… yes! “If it was permanent, that would be the most bleak end,” executive producer Edward Kitsis says, noting that how Gold helps her gets her memory back will certainly be a story line to watch out for. Let’s take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Good? OK.

Is there any hope for Laurel and Oliver on Arrow? — Sarah
NATALIE: We’ll certainly see some hope as Laurel begins to rely more on the Arrow’s help — even in secret — in trying to clean up the city.  “Her dealing with the Arrow is going to complicate her relationship with Tommy,” executive producer Marc Guggenheim says. “It’s also going to have a massive impact on her relationship with her father.”

What’s going to happen on Nashville now that Rayna and Deacon are out on the road together? — Shelly
ADAM: Adultery is definitely in the air on Wednesday’s episode, but you might need to look beyond the tour bus to find the culprit. Then again, Rayna and Deacon do have a number of awkward moments in elevators during the episode. Might the words of that immortal prophet Steven Tyler ring true once more?

If Scandal‘s Hollis didn’t put the hit on Fitz, then who did? —Dani
NATALIE: If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me. But you will find out this week in an episode that would’ve served perfectly as a season finale had ABC not picked up the series for a full season. But even more shocking will be which of the couples do — and do not — end up together, especially when it comes to the sacrifice that one character makes for his/her job. You think I’m talking about Fitz, right? Wrong.

I’m so excited Tyrese is on The Walking Dead. What can you tease? — John
NATALIE: Rick’s group is certainly low on manpower — and could get even lower soon. Seriously though, can you really trust these guys? The real question is whether we can trust fan favorite comic book character Tyrese. “Tyrese’s allegiance is to his group,” executive producer Glen Mazzara says. “He doesn’t know Rick or his people from a hole in the wall, so he has no allegiance to them. He’s just looking for a safe place to stay so he can protect his people.”

Anything you can tell me about the new season of Southland? — Caleb
ADAM: The new season begins with Officer Sherman receiving a medal for his bravery for shooting that pimp in the Season 4 finale. As Sherman continues to be recognized as the LAPD golden boy, look for his partnership with Sammy to become more and more strained. (Of course, that could also just be because Sammy’s ex-wife is dragging him through an ugly custody battle). And Cooper has a new boyfriend — or at least a friend with benefits. Cooper’s unwillingness to commit could endanger the former addict’s sobriety.

Natalie’s Mega Rave: I hope Emmy voters were taking note when Scandal‘s Gladiators sat around spilling their guts on the shady things they’ve all done in the name of Olivia Pope, culminating in them figuring out the election was rigged.

Adam’s Mini Rant: I know nobody was prepared for the Super Bowl blackout, but CBS might want to think about hiring people who know a little bit more about how to vamp during emergencies. Un-aired episodes of Partners would have been a better choice than what we got.

Mega Buzz: Scandal’s Big Secret, Bones’ “Pain” and a Grey’s Savior

Will the secret that the Five rigged the presidential election come out on Scandal? — Hailee
NATALIE: That’s what the — oh my goodness, I love what Shonda Rhimes calls them — Illuminati will hope to prevent in the coming episodes. “There’s a splintering of the Illuminati in terms of everyone’s agendas and what they’re willing to do and who they feel is to blame,” she says. “It becomes more fractured as it goes along, and it starts to feel like, for Olivia, that this is the one problem that she can’t fix.” Ruh-roh.

Got any scoop on Booth from Bones? — Whitney
ADAM: When I asked David Boreanaz about the nagging mystery of Booth’s big secret — you know, the one between him and God — I was a bit surprised by the answer. “Booth communicates to God in a very painful way,” Boreanaz says. “He was a soldier. One of the things we don’t really realize is he wakes up every morning in pain, and we haven’t really examined that.” So will he let his teammates — and more importantly, Brennan — in on the secret? “He has a pretty good cloak with the belt buckle and the socks — he hides behind a lot of that,” Boreanaz says. “[Booth's shrink] Stephen Fry exposed a bit of that, and maybe now he needs to expose that to Brennan and see where that takes them.”

Will Seattle Grace really have to close on Grey’s Anatomy? — Pam
NATALIE: The doctors will go to great lengths to try to keep the hospital open — and in an upcoming Alex-centric episode, those lengths will actually be quite hilarious. “That’s a great, funny and interesting episode,” executive producer Shonda Rhimes says. “It’s really about the idea that they’re trying to rebrand the hospital in a certain way. So they’re reluctantly fighting to be the face of the hospital, or the cover boy for the hospital, in a way that’s very funny and very challenging because you begin to realize how much trouble they really are in at the hospital, so you’re watching things fall apart from that perspective.”

I cannot wait for Community to start back up. What can you tell me about the new season? — Tyler
ADAM: Is it senior year already? The Hunger Games-inspired premiere brings out an unusual selflessness in the predominantly ego-centric Jeff Winger.  There’s some pretty serious headway made in Britta and Troy’s relationship. Annie decides to be a bit of a slacker. And despite his continued love of “ball” jokes, Pierce will seem like a completely new person. (Trust us, though the people might be changing, the show is as weird as it’s always been.)

What’s coming up for Oliver’s love life on Arrow? — Clark
NATALIE: Sorry to disappoint the Laurel and Oliver fans, but this week’s episode will introduce McKenna Hall (True Blood‘s Janina Gavankar), a former party girl and Oliver’s old friend. “She isn’t the same person she used to be, so both of them are rediscovering each other,” executive producer Marc Guggenheim says. “She’s a very cool and interesting foil for Oliver, as well as a very different kind of love interest, both in terms of what her past is, as a completely crazy party girl who could keep up with the old Oliver Queen, as well as her present day existence as a cop.”

What’s coming up for Juliette on Nashville? — Andrea
ADAM: Although things seem to be looking up for Juliette and her addict mom at the moment, don’t count on that to last — especially when Mommie Dearest finishes her rehab stint and moves back in with her daughter. Although one rough patch will force Juliette to hire a sober coach for her mom, Juliette might be the one who truly benefits from his work. Look for her to open up to him about a painful childhood memory — an exercise that perhaps both explains Juliette’s troubled relationship with her mom and finally helps Juliette repair it.

I can’t wait for The Walking Dead to come back! Will the Governor bring the war to the prison now? — Tony
NATALIE: Or is it the other way around? “It’s very possible there might be another attack on Woodbury,” executive producer Greg Nicotero says. “We’ve established the conflict between the Governor and Rick and we’ll explore that a lot more in the second half.” Sad news though: Not everyone will make it back to the prison.

Are we going to see Beth again this season on Criminal Minds? — Ashley
ADAM: That’s the plan. Barring a scheduling conflict with Scandal, Bellamy Young will be back in the same episode the features the return of Hotch’s brother Sean (Eric Johnson). A case will bring the BAU to New York, where, if you recall, both Beth and Sean are based. So will the two meet? “We’ll see,” executive producer Erica Messer teases. “You’d think he’d introduce his brother to his girlfriend.”

Jeremy and Bonnie seem to be close again on The Vampire Diaries. Any hookups in their future? — Gabi
NATALIE: They’ll have some pretty intense scenes coming up, but not romantically. “It’s more partnership and companionship than anything too sexual,” Kat Graham tells us. “Even if they wanted to take another stab at it, Bonnie has so many trust issues stemming from her parents and some of her friends that she has a bit of a wall up now and she’s like, ‘Let’s just be friends for now.’”

Is Sid going to live to see a possible 10th season of CSI: NY? — Bradley, via Twitter
ADAM: Absolutely. Executive producer Pam Veasey says the writers never intended for Sid’s secret cancer diagnosis to be about the looming fear of death. “We wanted to focus on people talking about living with it. How do you continue your life? How do you be optimistic? How do you continue to do what you do?” she says. “We don’t plan on getting rid of Sid. We don’t plan on watching him deteriorate onscreen. We just wanted you to see the choices people make when they know they might only have a short time.”

How long before Catherine’s family finds out about Vincent on Beauty and the Beast? — Jacob
NATALIE: Cat’s sister Heather will soon find herself heavily involved in their relationship. Not only will she finally meet Vincent (under false pretenses of course), but Jay Ryan tells us their meeting will turn deadly. “Heather has got herself in with a bad crowd and so Vincent has to save her life. In doing so, he mistakenly kills someone very close to one of our series regular cast members. It’s going to have the whole city after this guy because they think he wrongfully killed this man.”

Loving the new season of Dallas! How long will Rebecca and Christopher battle? — Nina
ADAM: Perhaps not as long as you might expect. After all, they do have twins on the way. “I think there is definitely room for reconciliation,” Julie Gonzalo tells us. “It’s not always going to be war between them. She’s smart. She cares about her kids. … I think there’s a level of respect that needs to happen between these two characters and you will see it.”

Adam’s Mega Rave: Not to condone recreational drug use, but Girls‘ Hannah Horvath + cocaine = amazing.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: If Jim and Pam break up before the end of The Office, Greg Daniels is dead to me.

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Mega Buzz: A Bones Death, Derek’s Grey’s Recovery and an NCIS Flashback

Can you give us any more details on Brennan’s near-death experience on Bones? — Destiny
ADAM: “I am shot and I die,” Emily Deschanel deadpans.  Fortunately, she continues, while Brennan is trapped between planes, she reunites (and has a heart-to-heart) with her long-dead mother, which could change Brennan’s view of the world completely. “She has some big words of advice for me,” Deschanel says. “You discover where Brennan’s hyper-rational perspective came from, and … her mother shatters it a bit. No one changes over night, but that does change Brennan and really seeps into her life.”

Will Derek ever return to surgery on Grey’s Anatomy? — Katie
NATALIE: I posed that very question to executive producer Shonda Rhimes and her response may scare you. “The way the show takes a turn, it’s not in the direction you think it’s going to go,” she tells me. “Derek getting back into surgery, while being very important, really turns out to be — I don’t want to say minimized — but it gets overshadowed in the face of something else.” Rhimes teases that that “something else” has to do with the impending results of the lawsuit.

What have you heard about the upcoming Abby flashback episode on NCIS? — Jill
ADAM: Unlike previous “origin story” episodes (we’re looking at you, DiNozzo!), Abby’s tale is not about how she joined NCIS. “The goal was step all the way back and see when Abby started to develop an interest in putting clues together and solving mysteries,” executive producer Gary Glasberg says. The (somewhat painful) flashbacks, which are brought on by a present-day investigation of a Marine’s car accident, will also feature Abby’s brother Luka. “There’s almost a To Kill a Mockingbird quality to it,” Glasberg says. “It’s really emotional, and it ends with a beautiful scene of Gibbs pointing out to Abby just how special she is.”

So excited about Rena Sofer as Snow White’s mother on Once Upon a Time. Is there anything you can share about her role? — Phyllis
NATALIE: Executive producer Adam Horowitz confirms that Queen Eva has a “surprising connection to someone else in our world.” If your first guess is Cora — since it seems likely that the Evil Queen’s evil mother may have had a hand in Queen Eva’s death — you may be in for a treat. “That would be a feud that goes back so long,” executive producer Edward Kitsis says. But what you may find more interesting? “You would think it would be easy to be Snow White’s mother, but perhaps Snow White wasn’t always Snow White,” Kitsis says.

Will we ever find out why the power really went off on Revolution? — Winston
NATALIE: We know the how since Rachel was working on a device to turn it off, but the who and the why in regards to the big blackout will soon be uncovered. “Rachel knows why the power went off in the first place,” executive producer Eric Kripke tells us. “She says it way earlier than anyone thinks, so we reveal it. We say it because she would. And eventually it evolves into a really epic quest to just turn the power on for everybody.”

Can you tell me anything about Terry O’Quinn’s return to Hawaii Five-0? — Thomas
ADAM: While you might expect to see Steve barking at O’Quinn’s Joe White about the ongoing mysterious saga of Doris McGarrett, executive producer Peter Lenkov tells us he has other plans. “Joe White is coming back in flashback,” he says. “He’s going to play McGarrett’s commanding officer [as] a part of the prequel to the pilot.” Well, at least there will still be barking!

I can’t wait to see Cam and Claire flip that house on Modern Family. Any details? — Kerry
NATALIE: Manipulation is the name of the game when it comes to Claire and Cam, who come into conflict over design and cost in the coming episodes. “You’re going to see Cam and Claire lying to one another wildly to get what they want,” Julie Bowen says, noting that Wendi McLendon-Covey’s Pam will get caught in the middle of their games. “I have to try to appeal to her lady-loving side to get my way,” Bowen says coyly. Adds Eric Stonestreet: “Pam and Cam will go from enemies to best friends because he’s using her.”

Will Finn ever get a steady boyfriend on CSI? — Katie
ADAM: Not if Elisabeth Shue has her way! “There are no plans for one right now and I hope she doesn’t ever settle down,” Shue tells us. “I’m still bringing in cute vice cops every once in a while to keep me happy!” But she would make an exception for one guy: D.B. Russell — if he ever gets divorced, that is. “I know he’s happily married and all, so obviously not now,” she says. “But I would like a slightly more complicated relationship. … I just want there to be more fire and more intrigue between us.”

Will Andrea try to save Daryl on The Walking Dead? — Josh
NATALIE: After Andrea finds out the truth about the Governor, don’t expect her to sit idly by. “Once she realizes her friends are in jeopardy, and that any harm has come to anybody that she cares for, she’s going to take action,” Laurie Holden says. “To see her friend Daryl not only alive, but captured by the man she’s been romantically entangled with is shocking. It’s her worst nightmare.”

When are they going to actually find the cure on The Vampire Diaries? — Whitney

NATALIE: Well, before it can be found it must be looked for. Claire Holt, who plays the Original Rebekah, tells us the location of the cure may be where you’d least expect it. “The search is going to take everyone to a little island off of Nova Scotia,” she says. Even for vampires Canadian healthcare is better!

Is Wren coming back this season on Pretty Little Liars? — Brittany
ADAM: Yep, and he’ll run straight into the arms of Spencer. “When Spencer finds out about Toby… somehow Wren just shows up at the right time,” Troian Bellisario tells us. “It’s like he has a sixth sense [about] when she’s hurting!” Or perhaps he too has dangerous intentions for Spencer? “There’s a side to Wren that hasn’t been explored yet. There’s a lot more fun waiting to happen there that’s not what you’d expect,” Bellisario says.

Roy Harper is coming to Arrow! — Matt
NATALIE: Yes, he is! And that Speedy will get very close to the other Speedy. “Our interpretation of Roy is hopefully unexpected,” executive producer Marc Guggenheim says. “Roy is from the Glades, which is part of Starling City that is the slum of the slums, and obviously he’s from a very different side of the tracks from Thea, so that gives us a fun dynamic to play around with. We’re designing it to be a longer-term relationship.”

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Ratings be darned, The Carrie Diaries has landed a coveted spot on my overflowing DVR. As someone who jumped on the Sex and the City bandwagon late, the prequel really stands out from its predecessor and the pilot left me wanting more — if only for the music.

Adam’s Mini Rant: Nice work, Mama June! Now, can you kick the whole Honey Boo Boo show off the air?

Mega Buzz: Castle’s Daddy Issues, Fringe’s Finale, and a Person of Interest Pickle

I can’t wait to meet Rick’s dad on Castle this February! Got any more intel? — Jeannie
ADAM: You may be waiting longer than you think for that meeting. Although creator Andrew W. Marlowe confirms that there will be some further exploration of Castle’s father come February sweeps, he certainly isn’t the focus of the episodes. “I would not characterize the two-parter as being about his dad,” Marlowe says. “Hopefully we can find a great and elegant way to embrace Castle’s father’s mythology in a way that’s going to be exciting.”

I can’t believe there are only three episodes of Fringe left! Got any scoop on how it all ends? — Marc
NATALIE: As the two “good” Observers, September/Donald and Michael, help Walter piece together his plan, we’ll get an interesting look at the origins of the fedora-wearing baldies. It’s a history slightly reminiscent of Battlestar Galactica. (Oh, and did we mention that Walter has a nude scene?)

What’s going to happen on Person of Interest now that Reese is in the FBI’s custody? —Evan
ADAM: While Reese likely has some tricks up his sleeve — after all, he is one of four men who could be the “man in a suit” — he’ll most likely rely on the help of his teammates. Or so he might think. “Just because Reese is locked up… the numbers never stop coming,” executive producer Jonathan Nolan says. As such, we’ll be “watching Finch try to spin plates” as he goes undercover as a substitute teacher to protect the next person of interest. And Carter? She may not be much help either now that she’s joined the FBI task force. “[Agent] Donnelly’s well aware of Carter’s history as an interrogator in Iraq,” executive producer Greg Plageman says. “Now that he has Reese in custody, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Carter’s enlisted in playing both sides of the fence.”

Totally freaking out over the Once Upon a Timelogline that says Regina will kill someone in Storybrooke! What’s going on? — Tina
NATALIE: Good news and bad news, starting with the latter. “We can tell you that Regina will be accused of killing one of Storybrooke’s characters,” executive producer Edward Kitsis confirms. But not so fast! “There’s always more than meets the eye. What we shall see is what and how.” As for the who, I’m concerned about the episode’s title.

How will Tyler react to Klaus killing his friends and mother on The Vampire Diaries? — Sarah
NATALIE: Not well. But don’t expect him to go cry about it. “Tyler’s not going to stand and take it,” Michael Trevino tells us. “It’s the realization that he had his one chance of attacking Klaus and that didn’t work, which is disheartening, [but now] he has to go for broke and figure out a way to do it, whether it’s gathering people to align with again or going at it by himself.”

I can’t believe Piper Perabo is going to be on Go On! Can you tell me more about her character? — Jeff
ADAM: The Covert Affairs star will play Simone, a former member of the grief counseling group who joined after her dance career was cut short. She returns after she’s left at the altar, and Ryan doesn’t like sharing the spotlight with her. When he tells the group to pick him or Simone, she offers to take him out to change his mind. Nothing like a couple of drinks and a game of truth-or-dare to win your enemy over!

I hate Sally Langston! How long will she be president on Scandal? — Francesca
NATALIE: If Mellie has anything to say about it, not too long. In fact, the First Lady may employ illegal — and even treasonous — means to make sure the dragon lady doesn’t stay in power. But this time around, you’ll actually be rooting for Fitz’s wife.

I’m excited for Dallas to come back, but sad to see Larry Hagman go. What can you tell us about J.R. in the new season? — Jessica
ADAM: The early episodes don’t make it immediately clear how J.R.’s exit will be handled. (Hagman filmed six episodes before his death; J.R.’s funeral is scheduled to air on March 11.) In the meantime, J.R. will be busy helping his son John Ross claim a bigger shareholder’s stake in Ewing Energies — a plan that involves John Ross teaming up with Rebecca (er, Pamela) to make sure Christopher can’t get an annulment. Sounds like a good start, but John Ross will have a big Stetson to fill.

I can’t wait to find out what happened to Ivy since she lost the lead in Bombshell! Will she make it to Season 2 of Smash? — Hannah
NATALIE: In short: yes. One of the many changes coming to the new season of the NBC musical drama is the sudden disappearance of Ivy’s drug problems (which also means no more hallucinations — sad!) However, just because Ivy is on the straight and narrow doesn’t mean everyone is. Look for another cast member to turn to drugs during a moment of despair early in the season.

I can’t believe Sam is actually Neal’s father! How will Neal handle that discovery when White Collar returns? — Chris
ADAM: How would you handle it? Neal is initially skeptical about whether his dad is really a good guy. His dad will try to win over Neal by explaining everything that went down back in the day, which means we get answers to all our burning questions right away. Unfortunately, the new intel will send Neal on a mission to get close to those who betrayed his father — much to Peter’s chagrin.

I’m so excited that Charlotte’s babies are coming on Private Practice. Can you share any scoop? — Katy
NATALIE: Remember that awesome scene between Jake and Amelia during last season’s finale?  When he pushed her back into a position that made the labor pains more bearable? Well, look for Amelia to pay it forward to Charlotte as she is going through her intense labor.

What can you tell me about the new season of Justified? — Will
ADAM: Even though Winona has left Raylan behind, he seems to be doing all right for himself. You’ll see a lot more of bartender Lindsey, both behind the bar and between the sheets. But she’s hiding a secret that could rock Raylan’s world. Speaking of secrets, Boyd seems to be even less trusting of his partners than usual this season.  That may have something to do with the secret stash of cash he’s keeping from everyone — including Ava!

Natalie’s Mega Rave: After a pretty “meh” fall, I’m very much looking forward to Fox’s serial killer drama The Following. Kevin Bacon is great in his TV series debut and James Purefoy’s character (and his followers) deliver a creepy tension that will have you climbing the walls. Happy New Year indeed!

Adam’s Mini Rant: I tuned into Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to see a tribute to the legendary broadcaster, not to watch a breathless Jenny McCarthy shill for Weight Watchers. Dick is definitely missed.

Mega Buzz: Castle Therapy, Another Diaries Romance, and HIMYM’s Other Mother

I hear Beckett’s therapist will be back on Castle. What can you tell us about that? — Angela
ADAM: Michael Dorn will indeed reprise his role as Dr. Burke during February sweeps. But what brings Beckett back to his couch? Well, it’s not because of any problems with Castle. Instead, it will be another run-in with Sen. Bracken (guest star Jack Coleman) that sends Beckett back to therapy. “A murder seems to lead to his doorstep and Kate thinks this her opportunity to finally get the man who was responsible for her mother’s murder behind bars,” creator Andrew W. Marlowe, adding that Beckett may once again find herself out of control. “Nothing is as it seems,” he says. “The case leads us into really interesting moral territory for our character.”

Are Jeremy and Bonnie getting back together on The Vampire Diaries? —Micah
NATALIE: You weren’t the only one who noticed those stolen glances during the midseason finale! “What this episode did, in the form of nostalgia, is a reminder that there are some unresolved feelings there,” executive producer Julie Plec says. “There was love there and maybe just a glimpse of hope for something more.”

Forget the Mother. Will we ever meet Robin’s mom on How I Met Your Mother? — Jacyln
ADAM: There’s a very good chance, especially now that she’s engaged. “That’s something we’ve been talking more and more about, and I’d think that both her parents would be at her wedding,” co-creator Carter Bays teases. In the meantime, Robin and Barney break the news to her tough-to-please father, Robin Sr. (Ray Wise), who won’t exactly be jumping for joy. “It’s about the contours of their father-daughter, or -’son,’ relationship,” Bays says. “Robin has to put to bed her resentment toward her dad before she can move on with her life and get married.”

Please give me scoop! — Matthew
NATALIE: OK! But don’t come crying to me when you realize you didn’t ask for a specific show! I will give you a shiny one-cent piece if you can figure out which major female character on a hilarious show will be getting engaged next year. But don’t confuse this character with another on an entirely different show.

What can you tell me about CSI‘s upcoming tennis episode? — Danielle
ADAM: The hour, which features guest spots by tennis greats Chris Evert and Lindsay Davenport, was inspired by star Elisabeth Shue, who is active in the sport. Shue’s love of the game translates to her character. “Finn played when she was a kid and it was so much her passion that she wanted to turn pro, but things changed in college and she became a CSI.” Shue says. Those backhand skills will come in handy though. “[Chris and Lindsay] are commentating on a match where a murder takes place, and I go and question Chris,” Shue teases. “She’s in the middle of a workout and doesn’t want to stop, so I offer to keep her going and hit the ball with her a little bit while we talk.”

Will anyone else be suspicious of Dexter next year? — Evan
NATALIE: It probably doesn’t help that the once-suspicious Quinn will be starting a fling with Dexter’s nanny Jamie, since that will put him right back in the lion’s den. Still, “Quinn learned to hold all his cards close to the vest,” showrunner Scott Buck says. “He knows that he certainly has a lot of information that other people at the station are not aware of, so what he knows could certainly come out at an opportune moment.” Let’s just see if Quinn survives dating Angel’s little sister. “I can’t imagine Angel would be too happy about that,” Buck says.

I can’t wait for Smash to come back — especially sans Ellis! How will the show write around the departing characters? — Samantha
ADAM: Ellis is basically the He Who Shall Not Be Named — his exit isn’t even addressed. Dev will only appear via an apology note he sends to Karen that winds up in the garbage. On the other hand, Julia’s husband, Frank, will appear in the premiere, but a surprising revelation by Tom sends him on his way. However, it’s the exit of star Rebecca Duvall that will cause the biggest repercussions for the show — and, notably, Derek.

I can’t wait for Spartacus to return for my weekly dose of blood and bodies! Any scoop on what this version of Julius Caesar will be like? – Kyle
NATALIE: This is not your mama’s Caesar! The series introduces us to him before he became a great statesman and general. Looking like a young Brad Pitt — shaggy, buff, charismatic and a little bit crazy — Caesar (newcomer Todd Lasance) will reveal that he’s somewhat impetuous, has a keen mind but also (surprise!) has a bloody shocking sexual kink.

I can’t believe Crosby and Jasmine are going to try for another baby on Parenthood! How soon will Jasmine get pregnant? — Tracy

ADAM: Before they can start worrying about another kid, the newlyweds will have something else to worry about: Jasmine’s mom! And if you though Crosby and Jasmine’s arguments about religion and the N-word were intense, wait until Jasmine’s mom asks for a loan to get through a rough patch and Jasmine invites her to stay with them! We guess there might be extra room if Crosby winds up in the doghouse.

Penny can! How much will things change on Cougar Town after Jules and Grayson tied the knot (and after Travis confessed his feelings to Laurie!) — Lois
NATALIE: Season 4 will pick up just days after Jules and Grayson got hitched, and the newlyweds will have some very important business to attend to, like figuring out who holds the power in the relationship (aka who’s the wine b—-). However, while the dynamics may change for Jules and Grayson, things will stay relatively the same between Travis and Laurie, who is still with her long-distance Army beau when things pick up. So look for Travis to try to re-enter the dating pool.

I loved the Royal Pains wedding, but how come Dr. Sacani wasn’t there? Does that mean he won’t be coming back next season? — Carol
ADAM: Don’t worry — fan favorite Ben Shenkman will definitely be back for Season 5. “We are already talking about some very fun things to do. He felt like he fit seamlessly into the Royal Pains family and brought a lot of fun to the show,” executive producer Michael Rauch tells us. “He is definitely a member of HankMed that we plan on keeping around.”

Does Evan now know about Vincent on Beauty and the Beast?! — Jamie
NATALIE: That’s the big question! Evan has already been suspicious of the creature who saved him, so when the show returns, he’ll continue to search for the truth. “In his quest, he and JT’s paths are actually going to cross,” executive producer Sherri Cooper tells us. “They’re going to start working together — in an effort for JT to control Evan — and of course Evan’s curiosity is going to get him in danger.”

Natalie’s Mega Rave: Dexter capped off a strong season with the shocking twist we didn’t see coming: It was Deb, not Dexter, who ended up killing LaGuerta. (Fortunately, the show didn’t go the expected route of having Dex be arrested, then having the Morgan siblings wed so she couldn’t testify against him.) See, it’s all about perspective!

Adam’s Mini Rant: I don’t know, Natalie. The death would have had lot more impact if the writers hadn’t made me stop caring about LaGuerta back around Season 3.

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.com or drop us a line at Twitter.com/TVGuide

Editor’s Note: This will be the last Mega Buzz column of the year. Until Adam and Natalie return in 2013. Happy Holidays!

Mega Buzz: A HIMYM Return, a Dexter Double-Cross and Bones’ Big Secret

Any How I Met Your Mother scoop? — Brandon
ADAM: Get ready to see another familiar face next month! Ted will bump into a blast from his past who will have a “big influence on his search for the mother,” co-creator Carter Bays tells us. Guesses? If it helps, it’s “someone you wouldn’t expect to see,” Bays says.

OMG! Will Hannah turn in Dexter during the Dexter finale? — Justin
NATALIE: That will be the big question of the hour. But Michael C. Hall says Dexter may come to regret turning her in for more than one reason. “I think he was open to a sense of possibility and open to a sense of a legitimate future in a way that he never has been before and that’s not going to be an easy thing to dismiss,” he says. “He believes that Hannah does love him and will keep his secret. He, if nothing else, believes she’ll do it out of a sense of self-righteousness, that she was able to keep secrets in a way that he couldn’t.”

Do you have any more clues about Booth’s big secret on Bones? — Heather
ADAM: Allow executive producer Stephen Nathan to further stir the pot. “It doesn’t have to do with our people,” he says. “It has to do with Booth’s relationship with the outside world.” Also, when creator Hart Hanson said that the mystery is something between Booth and God, he may have been more literal than we first expected. “Booth has a way of doing things — in some ways he’s very, very Catholic,” Hanson teases.

Will Bailey actually make it down the aisle on Grey’s Anatomy? — Brenda
NATALIE: The promos don’t look promising, right? Bailey will contemplate pulling a Runaway Bride after receiving some horrifying advice from one half of a rocky Seattle Grace couple. However, there is good news on the horizon for one group of ‘shippers, but mum’s the word on which one. Hit the comments with your guesses!

I’ll take any spoilers you have on the NCIS Christmas episode with Tony and his dad. — Marla, via Twitter
ADAM: Unlike in years past, the elder DiNozzo (guest star Robert Wagner) isn’t involved in the team’s case. “He comes back because he wants to spend Christmas with his son,” executive producer Gary Glasberg says. “There are many years of issues that exist between them. So, it’s not about a case — it’s really a personal story between the two of them.” Given some of the more “personal” moments that Tony has had with Ziva lately, could the conversation turn to her during the father-son heart-to-heart? “It definitely comes up,” Glasberg hints.

I can’t wait for The Vampire Diaries midseason finale! Any scoop for when it returns? — Sarah
NATALIE: The first episode back will mirror The Breakfast Club with several characters stuck in the school library, ultimately revealing things about each other they were hoping to hide. But think more sad and dark, rather than cheery dancing in the halls, as a few of the scenes will force certain truths to come out from both Stefan and Elena that might forever change their relationship.

What’s coming up on The Mindy Project? — Andrea
ADAM: Get ready to meet Mindy’s younger brother Rishi! It turns out that Mindy’s been footing the bill not only for his cell phone plan, but also his college tuition at Stanford. So how do you think that Mindy will react when she learns that Rishi has his heart set on dropping out to become a rapper?

Will Charlotte make it through the pregnancy on Private Practice? — Tori
NATALIE: It’s Cooper who we should be worried about for now as Mason begins to act out in fear that Charlotte will die. “One of those babies in is in the NICU and Cooper refuses to leave,” Paul Adelstein says. “Charlotte’s on bed rest and is useless, by her own admission, and he’s terrified his child is going to die. Cooper’s handling it, but he’s absolutely spinning out of control.”

Loved the Sons of Anarchy finale. Does that last image mean that Gemma’s calling the shots once again? — Tim
ADAM: That’s certainly part of creator Kurt Sutter’s intention. While he won’t say for sure that Gemma is the one who gave the cops the intel they needed to arrest Tara, he does believe that next season will see a return to form for the former queen. “Women like Gemma, they are cockroaches,” Sutter says. “They can take a lot of hits, and they always find a way to come back and crawl out a little bit stronger. We saw her really astray at the beginning of the season, but … we slowly saw her find footing. I think by the end of the finale, she’s got her balls back.”

Will there be a time jump when The Walking Dead returns? — James
NATALIE: Expect to see how Daryl and Merle get out of the clutches of the Governor — if they both can — pretty much immediately. “It’ll be very satisfying,” showrunner Glen Mazzara tells us of the midseason return. “I don’t usually do cliff-hangers like this and I would probably never do a cliff-hanger like this between seasons, but for a couple of months, I’m willing to suffer the slings of all the Daryl fans. People will return and get their answers. People will not be frustrated when they come back and they will get the story they’re expecting.”

So sad to think Leverage could be ending this year. What can you tell me about the “series finale”? — Shane
ADAM:  Executive producer Dean Devlin insists that he and his team have been working toward this exact final episode since they shot the pilot. Fittingly, there will be some callbacks. “It harkens back to the story line of Nate dealing with the death of his son. That comes back full circle,” Devlin says, adding that it’s “the darkest episode we’ve ever done.” Could that spell disaster for Nate or one of team members? “The reverberations of how they all have to deal with this [case] affects every single teammate in a deeply profound way,” Devlin says.

I can’t wait for next week’s Burn Notice finale! What’s going to happen to the team? — Shelly
NATALIE: Next week’s two-hour season finale will not disappoint. Look for the very determined Olivia Riley to find a way to take Jesse into custody. His allegiance to Michael and the team runs deep, but when Olivia offers to show him confidential information on his mother’s unsolved murder in exchange for Michael’s whereabouts, it’s an offer Jesse might not be able to refuse.

Adam’s Mega Rave: Thanks, Homeland, for finally letting Brody and Jessica have that talk and actually giving Morena Baccarin something to do. More, please.

Natalie’s Mini Rant: Stephen Collins’ inept reporter was a blight on what is arguably the best episode of Scandal to date.

Mega Buzz: Secret Love on Bones, a Vampire Death and a Nashville Proposal

What’s next for Cam on Bones now that we know about her relationship with Arastoo? — Elizabeth
ADAM: There will still be a great deal of secrecy around the relationship. “Cam would like this to be a secret because it’s slightly unprofessional to be having an affair with one of your underlings,” creator Hart Hanson tells us. “She decides the fate of the interns even more than Brennan does. So it’s an uncomfortable position for her, but she’s managing to keep it compartmentalized.” Or at least she is until it impacts her relationship with her daughter. “It has an effect on Michelle and that’s the next story we tell,” Hanson teases. “What secrets do you keep and for what reason?”

Do you have any Vampire Diaries scoop to help heal my broken heart over the Stefan-Elena breakup? — Helen
NATALIE: I don’t think this is going to help. There will be mass casualties in the midseason finale, including someone you’ve known since Season 1. My lips are sealed, but you can hit the comments with your guesses!

I’m really loving Nashville, y’all! Can you give me scoop? — Jenni
ADAM: Wednesday’s midseason finale features big developments for several of the show’s romantic pairings. Look for at least one breakup, a long-awaited kiss, a proposal and an (accidental?) overdose. Love is a crazy thing!

Loved the Once Upon a Time midseason finale. What’s coming up when the show returns? — Joan
NATALIE: The Charming family has been reunited, but look for more bad news on the horizon. When we asked Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Morrison about the joyous reunion, they both offered up ominous answers that may or may not have to do with the arrival of Hook and Cora. “It’s, of course, short-lived because yet another obstacle is going to be thrust between all of these characters,” Goodwin says, with Morrison adding, “New terrible things need to happen for us to work out.” Any guesses as to what’s in store for the Storybrooke gang?

I don’t want this season of Sons of Anarchy to end. What’s coming up? — Brandon
ADAM: You certainly haven’t seen the last of Donal Logue’s character, retired U.S. Marshal Lee Toric. “We signed him for 10 episodes,” creator Kurt Sutter says. “So I think he will be in at least six or seven episodes next season, maybe eight.” That’s no doubt bad news for Jax and Tara, who were somewhat complicit in the murder of Toric’s sister. “As a former lawman, he has all the power, all the knowledge, all the contacts, and yet no restraints,” Sutter teases. “Now he obviously has a personal grudge. That is a really dangerous guy for these guys to face.”

Whoa! Who shot Fitz on Scandal?! — Jack
NATALIE: You wouldn’t believe me if I told you — and Shonda Rhimes would kill me if I did. But the identity of the shooter will be revealed this week. In lighter news, Thursday’s episode features flashbacks to Fitz’s inauguration, including some hot-and-heavy Fitz-Olivia sex scenes… in some scandalous places! (You’ll also find out why Olivia resigned, but hot sex sounds more fun, right?)

Since the season-long unsub on Criminal Minds has a connection to the BAU, is it someone we’ve seen before, like an old unsub? — Pat
ADAM: That would make sense, right? Unfortunately, the show is currently casting someone new to play The Replicator. (However, showrunner Erica Messer hasn’t ruled out that the possibility that the new nemesis could also have a connection to a previous unsub.) Meanwhile, the team will finally become more clued in to the villain during next week’s episode. “It’s not a complete shock since we have seen some replicated murders, but we’re not really aware of the extent of his stalking of us yet,” Matthew Gray Gubler says.

Wow, Dexter killed Hannah’s father. What won’t he do for her on Dexter? — Dan
NATALIE: He probably wouldn’t look the other way if she tried to kill one of his family members — and considering that Deb is his only family, it should come as no surprise that Dexter will look askance when she gets into a very suspicious-looking car accident. Will he ever be able to have a future with Hannah now? On the bright side, Dexter will try to put the kibosh on LaGuerta and Matthews’ investigation into the Bay Harbor Butcher — but that doesn’t mean Maria has really given up.

Julia, Joel and Victor’s adoption story line on Parenthood has been so emotional. Will things get any easier? — Trisha
ADAM: Not exactly. When it comes time for Julia and Joel to file papers to formally adopt Victor, stay-at-home mom Julia will struggle with the decision much more than Joel, because Victor has never said he loves her. Also, it doesn’t help matters when Victor drops a dime on his new parents. Yup, you read that right.

Please tell me The Walking Dead‘s Daryl won’t die!?! Will Andrea save him? — Harold
NATALIE: That’s the big question — and based on this, it’s not looking like Andrea, who is just as much an outsider, will be of any help. “Where does she belong?” showrunner Glen Mazzara ponders. “She doesn’t really belong at Woodbury; she doesn’t really even belong at the prison. It’ll be very interesting to see Andrea try to straddle both worlds.”

What can you say about the new season of Pretty Little Liars? —Julie
ADAM: Three words: Mona is free. Yep, the crazy girl is back at Rosewood High School, and despite her best efforts to persuade the girls that she’s all better, they’re smart enough not to trust her — especially after they learn that Toby is part of the A Team. “It hits Spencer a lot harder than the other three, so she withdraws a little, [but] … they become stronger for her,” Lucy Hale teases. The bad news: Mona has a new ally that will take the girls completely by surprise.

Thanks for all the Parks and Recreation scoop lately. What else is coming up? — Marcus
NATALIE: A battle of the sexes! Leslie and April will try to prove that women can do any government job that men can do. Unfortunately, that begins with the ladies putting in time at the Department of Sanitation. Meanwhile, Ron will attempt to babysit Diane’s girls, but he’ll quickly enlist Ann’s help to get the job done. For someone in this bunch, it’ll end with three special words.

Natalie’s Mini Rave: Finally! The Walking Dead‘s Governor is now officially the sadistic, eye patch-wearing bastard we know from the comics. And we’re excited/frightened by what he’ll do next.

Adam’s Mega Rant: How can the writers of Homeland, a show that is basically about surveillance, conveniently forget that a) the vice presidential residence would be blanketed with security cameras and b)the CIA’s tap on Brody’s phone would have caught this week’s video calls with Abu Nazir?